King-Bruwaert House appoints Shawn O’Connor as interim CEO

Shawn O’Connor has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer at King-Bruwaert House (KBH) in Burr Ridge. Shawn brings an impressive, nearly 40-year career in high level nursing administration and management to KBH, supported by higher education, healthcare certifications and exceptional experience.

Prior to joining KBH, Shawn served as the Regional Chief Nursing Officer NW Region Amita Health/Ascension IL and most recently, Chief Nursing Officer-Ascension St Alexius Medical Center from November 2019 to July 2023. She also served as Chief Nursing Officer for the Amita Health Resurrection Medical Center.

In 2018, Shawn led nursing within the Southern Illinois region of SSM overseeing both SSM St. Mary’s Centralia and Good Samaritan Hospitals in Mount Vernon, IL. She also worked in
Louisville, KY as Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Patient Care Services for Jewish Hospital & Frazier Rehab Institute from 2015 to 2017.

Previous leadership positions with the former Adventist Midwest Health included roles as Regional Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Adventist Hinsdale Hospital from July 2009 to May 2015. Throughout her time as Chief Nursing Officer, Shawn was known as a transformational leader culminating with the earning of ANCCs Magnet ™ recognition, the highest recognition for nursing in acute care settings.

Shawn’s administrative nursing career began in 1987 when she served as Chief Nursing Officer for Edward Hospital in Naperville, followed by a similar position at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park. She also spent nine years at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora as Vice President for Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer.

Shawn holds a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) from Rush University in Chicago. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from Loyola University of Chicago and a second master’s in business administration from Northern Illinois University-DeKalb. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lewis University-Romeoville, preceded by an associate degree in nursing from Triton College-River Grove.

Consistently a proponent of education and professional growth, Shawn points to an interest in returning to school every decade to acquire more tools “to make a difference.” Her certifications include specializations in nursing executive practice, nursing professional development, health care quality, patient safety, and patient experience.

“This is an important time in the senior living industry as we navigate the future with a successful strategy involving leadership, all levels of nursing, and healthcare support teams devoted to our residents’ goals and ideals,” Shawn said. “At KBH, I am fortunate to be leading a progressive organization with individuals passionate about the care we provide. KBH values the professional roles of our staff members who make a strong commitment to providing quality care and services. KBH is so special; I look forward to sharing new and exciting experiences and opportunities with staff members and residents.”

Shawn, a lifelong resident of the western suburbs, has three adult children and one grandchild. She shares being with her family is her greatest joy.
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King-Bruwaert House currently celebrates its 90th anniversary as a Life Plan Community offering services for independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.