NorthShore University HealthSystem Appoints Kathleen Ferket and Joianne Smith to Board of Directors

Evanston, Illinois – Kathleen M. Ferket, MSN, Principal and Founding Member of L3 Advisors Group, and Joianne L. Smith, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oakton College, have been appointed to NorthShore University HealthSystem’s (NorthShore’s) Board of Directors. The board is one of four community-focused boards central to NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health’s (NS-EEH) commitment to enabling and empowering local regions to meet community needs. 

“We are very pleased to welcome Kathy and Joi to the NorthShore Board of Directors during this exciting time of growth and transformation for our system,” said Sean O’Grady, president, North Region, NS-EEH. “These highly respected leaders bring an exceptional track record of aligning organizations to operate at their best. Their deep experience will be invaluable as we further strengthen our capabilities and experience for the benefit of those we are privileged to serve.” 

Kathleen M. Ferket

As a health care clinician and executive, Ferket divides her time between leadership coaching and healthcare consulting. As a consultant, she collaborated on the development and implementation of the American Case Management Association’s (ACMA) Transition of Care Standards. Ferket also served as system vice president at AMITA Health from 2013-2017 where she aligned care management practices across a nine-hospital system. Prior to, she worked for 20 years at Northwest Community Healthcare in leadership roles that included hospital operations, service line leadership and strategic partnership development. 

“I have seen first-hand the incredible impact health systems and healthcare providers make in our communities,” said Ferket. “I am excited to be part of this pivotal time at NorthShore and to help advance the organization’s vision to provide world-class, expert care and an experience that is both seamless and personal right within our own back yards.”

Ferket has published in peer reviewed journals and contributed content to patient safety, population health and healthcare resiliency books. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from DePaul University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Rush University, and obtained a Women on Boards certificate from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

A resident of Park Ridge, Ferket has served on the boards for the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders and the Infant Welfare Society. She is a volunteer for the Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and raises funds to support advocacy and research. 

Joianne L. Smith

Smith has held leadership roles at Oakton College for more than 20 years, having served as Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs before becoming President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2015. Under her leadership, the college has experienced a period of unprecedented student-centered innovation and adopted its "Vision 2030: Building Just and Thriving Communities," which contains the strategic priorities of advancing racial equity, strengthening students' Oakton Experience and enhancing workforce readiness and community engagement. Prior to joining Oakton, Smith served in leadership roles at Northwestern University and Middlebury College. She also worked as a licensed psychologist, a license she still maintains in the state of Illinois. 

“Both as a community member and through my work at Oakton, I’ve been inspired by NorthShore’s deep commitment to helping people be their best,” said Smith. “I look forward to working with the organization to even more closely understand and meet the needs of those in our communities and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through the power of innovation and collaboration.”

Smith holds a PhD and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She’s published and presented on subjects as varied as higher education best practices and counseling and therapy. 

A resident of Glenview, Smith serves on a number of boards including Evanston Cradle to Career Operations Team, Ascension Holy Family Hospital Community Advisory Board and the Community Colleges for International Development Board of Directors.