SIH celebrates retirement of longtime leader Woody Thorne

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

ILLINOIS (KBSI) – Southern Illinois Healthcare is celebrating the retirement of Woody Thorne, who helped shape health care initiatives across Southern Illinois during his 25 years with the organization.

Thorne joined SIH in 2001 as manager of community benefits. During his tenure, SIH secured more than $59 million in grant funding through 144 awards and more than $90 million through 210 contracts.

His work supported several regional initiatives, including SIH’s community response during the COVID-19 pandemic, development of the Herrin Rehabilitation Center, the Harrisburg Medical Center Acute Mental Health Unit and public health efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use.

Thorne also led the development of the SIH Foundation in 2009 and helped establish Southern Illinois Now, which launched in 2022.

SIH thanked Thorne for his leadership, vision and dedication to Southern Illinois as he begins retirement.