Innovative Human Resources executive joins Baptist Health as Chief Human Resource Officer

With over 30 years of experience in human resources and organizational development, Mary Ellen Schopp was selected as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Baptist Health after an extensive national search.

Schopp joins Baptist Health from Rush University Medical Center, one of the largest private sector employers in Chicago, known for its medical and nursing colleges, collaborative partnerships, and focus on clinical research and innovation.

Over her career, Schopp has led human resources in a number of top-performing organizations in health care, education, manufacturing and consumer packaged goods.

“Three factors make Mary Ellen an exceptional addition to our executive team,” said Brett McClung, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “Her passion for people, depth of experience, and alignment with our mission make her an excellent cultural fit.”

Reporting to the CEO, Schopp will plan, direct and have responsibility for all aspects of Human Resources at Baptist Health including strategies for attracting, developing, engaging and retaining talent; supporting diversity and inclusion; and strengthening employee engagement.

Known for her effectiveness in building high-performing teams, Schopp believes in advancing organizational goals through its people. At Rush, she served as a key architect for the “People” pillar of the organization’s 5-year strategic plan and was involved in many key initiatives to develop its 12,000+ employees. For example, she created a Leadership Academy for physicians, leaders and staff, and was instrumental in the success of a “Continuous Pursuit of Excellence” campaign across the health system.

“I’m energized to join the Baptist Health team; they are focused on all the right things,” said Schopp. “In this dynamic health care environment, we have so many exciting opportunities ahead of us to positively impact the lives of our employees, physicians, patients and communities.” 

Engaged in the community, Schopp served on the Board of Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, a public-private partnership working to match businesses that have unmet hiring needs with qualified, unemployed job seekers. In addition, she served on the boards of Women in Bio, Mayslake Ministries and St. John of the Cross Parish School.

Schopp received her Bachelor of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois. She received both her Master of Science in Industrial/Labor Relations and Master of Science in Organizational Development from Loyola University. She is a member of the Society for HR Management (SHRM).