Leading Into Good Samaritan’s 118th Year: Adam Thacker Begins a New Chapter as President and CEO

As Good Samaritan enters its 118th year of serving the region, the organization is marking a historic transition on January 7. Adam Thacker will become only the 10th CEO in the hospital’s long legacy, stepping into the role following the retirement of longtime CEO Rob McLin. Though the title is new, Thacker’s connection to Good Samaritan and to the community runs deep.

Thacker joined Good Samaritan in 2013 as Vice President of Professional Services before moving into the Chief Operating Officer role in 2016. For the past year, he has served as President and Chief Administrative Officer, helping guide the hospital through continued growth and an evolving health care landscape. Now, he says he is eager to help lead the organization into its next era.

“Health care is in an incredibly exciting and challenging time,” Thacker said. “Innovations in technology are rapidly changing how care is delivered, and it’s energizing to be part of that evolution. What has not changed, and never will, is the importance of our people. I’m excited about Good Samaritan’s future as the health care leader in this region and the opportunity to help guide the organization through its next chapter of growth and impact.”

Reflecting on the past 12 years, Thacker said his experience at Good Samaritan has shaped him in meaningful ways. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside outstanding executive leaders, a supportive board, exceptional physicians, and deeply caring staff,” he stated. “Together, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships that provide a solid foundation for continued progress.”

Those relationships extend beyond the hospital’s walls, including partnerships with community leaders, elected officials, and regional educational institutions. Thacker believes those connections matter now more than ever. “Relationships both internal and external are critical to CEO success, and that foundation positions us well for the future,” he added.

As he looks ahead to his first year as CEO, Thacker’s focus remains anchored in the people who make Good Samaritan exceptional. “Our team will always be my top priority, ensuring we have the tools, technology, and support in place so our caregivers can do their work at the highest level,” he said. He also emphasized clinical excellence and long-term sustainability, noting the importance of protecting Good Samaritan’s independence in a rapidly changing health care environment.

Looking further into the next three to five years, Thacker expects the hospital’s growth mindset to continue. “Good Samaritan will continue to provide excellent care close to home,” he said. “Strengthening physician alignment, expanding services, and enhancing digital engagement for both our team and our patients will be key areas of focus as we continue to evolve.”

For Thacker, this work is deeply personal. Growing up in Bridgeport, Illinois, just 20 minutes from the hospital, he says leading Good Samaritan carries a special significance. “This community is home,” he said. “My family and I live here, and I grew up just across the river. Serving neighbors, friends, and family makes this role especially meaningful. It just means more when you are caring for your own community.”

He hopes patients and families know the organization’s mission will always remain centered on them. “Good Samaritan is, and will always remain, patient-first,” he said. “We will listen, treat each person as an individual, and deliver care with compassion and excellence. Our goal is for every patient and family to feel respected, supported, and confident in the care they receive.”

Thacker also shared a message for team members as he prepares to step into the role. “I will lead with transparency, collaboration, and respect for every member of this team who shows up each day to improve lives in the communities we are privileged to serve,” he said. “I’ve said many times and truly believe that our greatest differentiator at Good Samaritan is our people. Health care is complex, and challenges will continue, but I am confident in this team. Continue to do your work, whatever it may be on any given day, with excellence.”

Thacker’s path to leadership began in pharmacy. After graduating from St. Louis College of Pharmacy, he gained experience in both the clinical and business sides of health care, later earning an MBA with a health care emphasis from Regis University. He is committed to lifelong learning and holds both Fellowship status in the American College of Health Care Executives (FACHE) and certification as a Professional in Health Care Quality (CPHQ).

Outside of work, family is at the center of Thacker’s life. He and his wife, Stacey, a fellow pharmacist, have three children: Jayden (17), Jocelyn (15), and Jules (13). “Spending time with my family is what matters most to me,” Thacker shared. Whether he is cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, traveling together to new places, or simply winding down with a family movie night, those moments are his greatest priority. Staying active through exercise is also important to him. “Exercise has long been my stress relief,” he noted, “even though I always wish I had more time for it.”

As Good Samaritan enters its 118th year, Thacker steps into the CEO role with gratitude, a steady vision, and a deep commitment to serving the community he has always called home.