Sister Mary Jean Ryan, FSM, has been the President/CEO of SSM Health Care since the system's founding in 1986. On August 1, 2009, she transitioned into the role of Chair/CEO. A member of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, she is one of a handful of nuns to still head a Catholic health-care system in the United States.

Internationally known as an inspiring speaker and leader in the health-care quality movement, she has been named one of the most powerful people in health care by Modern Healthcare Magazine for the past seven years. Sister Mary Jean has received numerous honors, including the Missouri Governor’s Quality Leadership Award and the Brotherhood and Sisterhood Award from the National Conference of Community and Justice.

She is the co-author of two books: On Becoming Exceptional – SSM Health Care’s Journey to Baldrige and Beyond (ASQ Quality Press, 2007) and CQI and the Renovation of an American Health Care System: A Culture Under Construction (ASQ Quality Press, 1997).

Sister Mary Jean received a master’s degree in hospital and health administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati. She is a nurse and has been a Franciscan Sister of Mary for more than 45 years.

• About Sister Mary Jean Ryan
• Book by Sister Mary Jean Ryan Traces SSM Health Care’s Exceptional Journey
• Read Sister Mary Jean Ryan's bio.
• Download Sister Mary Jean Ryan’s Curriculum Vitae.
• Listen to "Herstory" interview on KWMU (Windows Media | MP3).
• Sister Mary Jean Ryan is featured in a national ad campaign in 2008. View the ad.
• Sister Mary Jean Ryan Named To Top 100 Most Powerful List.

Watch Sister Mary Jean's interview on SSM St. Clare Health Center opening in 2009 in Fenton, Mo.

Listen to Sister Mary Jean Ryan as she talks to HealthLeaders Magazine about the system's decision to stop offering bottled water at its 20 facilities.