St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea President to retire in March 2022

Information from St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea

After a decade of transformational leadership that has reshaped St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea and the community, hospital President Nancy Graebner-Sundling announced on Sept. 17, 2021, that she plans to retire in March of next year, capping a 48-year career in health care. A succession planning process has been initiated to ensure a seamless transition of leadership.

Since her appointment in 2012, Graebner-Sundling has led several historical enhancements that significantly improved services for Chelsea and the surrounding communities.  

“We are grateful for the level of success that Nancy and her team have achieved at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea over the years,” said Rob Casalou, president and CEO, Trinity Health Michigan & Southeast Regions. “Nancy has provided steadfast leadership during periods of tremendous growth and enormous challenges.”  

A central accomplishment was the negotiation and implementation of a joint venture agreement with Michigan Medicine in 2018.

“Nancy was instrumental in forging our successful joint venture to expand access to services in Chelsea and surrounding communities,” said Jeff Desmond, MD, Chelsea JV board president and chief medical officer at the University of Michigan Health System. “Her passion for excellence and profound compassion for patients and the entire community of Chelsea will leave a lasting impact.”  

One of the standout accomplishments among many during her time as president was the completion of a two-story atrium facility expansion that enhanced the Emergency Department and enabled expanded therapies, diagnostic imaging departments, renovation of the lab, pharmacy and sleep center.  

“It has been the honor of my life to be part of a decade of remarkable growth for our hospital, with every action focused on improving the quality of patient care,” Graebner-Sundling said. “As a team, we have worked together to open up more services people need close to home –– all in a comfortable, beautiful campus setting.”