Highest Paid Milwaukee-Area Hospital Employees: Executive and Doctor Salaries Analyzed
The Milwaukee-area hospital landscape is filled with top executives and doctors earning top dollar, according to a recent analysis of tax returns by the Journal Sentinel. The highest-paid individuals come from health care systems like Advocate Aurora Health, Froedtert Health, Ascension Wisconsin, and more.
One standout figure is Jim Skogsbergh, who was the President and CEO of Advocate Aurora Health and is now the co-CEO of Advocate Health following a merger with Atrium Health. Skogsbergh, who joined Advocate Health Care in 2001, commands a salary of $7.13 million, with additional compensation totaling $610,659.
William Santulli, the former Chief Operating Officer of Advocate Aurora Health, now serves as the President of Advocate Health’s Midwest region. His total compensation in 2021 was $3.02 million, with an additional $294,721 in related pay.
Catherine Jacobson, the CEO of Froedtert Health, earned a base salary of $2.85 million in 2021, with additional compensation of $406,494. Jacobson, who plans to retire in 2024, has been a key figure in the upcoming merger between Froedtert Health and ThedaCare.
Max Lee, a neurosurgeon at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, took home $2.45 million in base salary in 2021, with additional compensation of $29,549.
Bernie Sherry, the former senior vice president of Ascension Health, saw a total compensation package of $2.07 million in 2021, with $53,759 in other pay. Sherry left his position earlier this year amidst a leadership shakeup at Ascension.
Peggy Troy, the President and CEO of Children’s Wisconsin, earned $1.99 million in related pay in 2021, with a base salary of $0 and additional compensation of $57,536. Troy, who plans to retire next year, has led the health system through a significant expansion project.
These high salaries reflect the competitive nature of the healthcare industry in Milwaukee, where top talent commands top dollar. As these organizations continue to evolve and grow, the compensation of their leaders will remain under scrutiny.