Leadership at Loyola Medicine

Richard Freeman, MD, MBA, FACS, is regional chief clinical officer of Loyola Medicine and professor of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He provides strategic oversight for Loyola's clinically integrated network, quality and safety processes, pharmacy, medical staff recruitment and graduate medical education. Dr. Freeman completed his medical degree and residencies at Tufts University School of Medicine. He earned an MBA from the University of Texas.

Daniel Isacksen is regional chief financial officer at Loyola Medicine. Mr. Isacksen has also served Loyola as Vice President, Finance and Assistant Treasurer, controller and director of finance for the Loyola University Physician Foundation, and manager of finance and treasury. Previously, Mr. Isacksen served as Chief Financial Officer, Physician Enterprise at Alexian Brothers Health System.

Mr. Isacksen also served as controller for St. Alexius Medical Center and vice president of finance and controller for St. Anthony Hospital. He started his career at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in accounting and his MBA in executive leadership from Bradley University. 

Peggy Norton-Rosko is regional chief nursing officer at Loyola Medicine. Previously, she served as chief nurse at both George Washington University Hospital and Centegra Health System. She developed expertise in clinical program expansion and outcome improvement during her tenure as director of critical care, cardiovascular services, emergency and trauma services at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.

Ms. Norton-Rosko earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University and her Master of Science Degree from Loyola University Chicago. She also earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in nursing leadership and health system administration from Chamberlain College of Nursing.

Jill Rappis is regional senior vice president and general counsel of Loyola Medicine and serves as secretary to the board of directors. Ms. Rappis previously served as associate general counsel of Loyola University Medical Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Kentucky and her Juris Doctor Degree from Marquette University Law School.

Mary Elizabeth (M.E.) Cleary is president of MacNeal Hospital and president of Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. Previously, she served as chief financial officer for MacNeal Hospital and Tenet Health's Chicago market region. Ms. Cleary has more than 30 years of experience in hospital finance and management. She began her career as chief financial officer for various investor-owned hospital organizations, moving on to serve as regional vice president of finance operations for Essent Healthcare in Nashville, Tennessee. Ms. Cleary earned her Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Delta State University in Mississippi and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Hospital Finance Management Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Tad A. Gomez is president of Loyola University Medical Center. Previously, he served as vice president for professional and support services at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). Mr. Gomez also served as the vice president for professional services at Augusta University Medical Center (AUMC) as well as various pharmacy management positions at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Harris Health.

Mr. Gomez has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. He earned his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Kansas and his Master of Science in hospital pharmacy from Ohio State University. He completed a 24-month pharmacy residency with an emphasis in Health System Pharmacy Administration at The Ohio State University Medical Center.