Sarah Paturalski's training as a nurse has helped her provide more than just patient care. After a national search, she was named president of Beacon Dowagiac in Michigan. Her position starts this summer.
She most recently was chosen interim president of the 423-bed Memorial Hospital in downtown South Bend where she helped oversee a $257.7 million patient tower expansion. She also helped design the St. Joseph County Health Crisis Center. Before she was tapped to serve as interim, she was vice president of nursing and clinical services at the hospital, a role she started in 2018.
“Sarah is a values-driven, collaborative leader who exemplifies what outstanding service looks like in our health system and our communities,” said Kreg Gruber, Beacon Health System’s CEO, in a press release. “Her roots in nursing have shaped her into the kind of leader who builds strong teams, earns deep trust and delivers results.”
Paturalski also has led efforts to reduce the length of patient hospital stays and staffing of nurses. She grew a partnership with the Beacon School of Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College and Hybrid Faculty Program.
She will succeed Dave Bailey, president of Community Hospital of Bremen, who also is serving as interim president of Beacon Dowagiac since July 2025.
Other leadership appointments include Lee Herschberger as interim vice president of nursing and clinical services at Memorial Hospital; and Mary Wend as interim vice president of operations at Three Rivers Health in Michigan. Both appointments are effective April 13.
Beacon Health System employs about 11,000 associates and 2,500 medical staff members in Michigan and Indiana facilities.
