Leadership at Loyola Medicine

Richard Freeman, MD, MBA, FACS, is regional chief clinical officer of Loyola Medicine and professor of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He provides strategic oversight for Loyola's clinically integrated network, quality and safety processes, pharmacy, medical staff recruitment and graduate medical education. Dr. Freeman completed his medical degree and residencies at Tufts University School of Medicine. He earned an MBA from the University of Texas.

Peggy Norton-Rosko is regional chief nursing officer at Loyola Medicine. Previously, she served as chief nurse at both George Washington University Hospital and Centegra Health System. She developed expertise in clinical program expansion and outcome improvement during her tenure as director of critical care, cardiovascular services, emergency and trauma services at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.

Ms. Norton-Rosko earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University and her Master of Science Degree from Loyola University Chicago. She also earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in nursing leadership and health system administration from Chamberlain College of Nursing.

Jill Rappis is regional senior vice president and general counsel of Loyola Medicine and serves as secretary to the board of directors. Ms. Rappis previously served as associate general counsel of Loyola University Medical Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Kentucky and her Juris Doctor Degree from Marquette University Law School.

Tad A. Gomez is president of Loyola University Medical Center. Previously, he served as vice president for professional and support services at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). Mr. Gomez also served as the vice president for professional services at Augusta University Medical Center (AUMC) as well as various pharmacy management positions at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Harris Health.

Mr. Gomez has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. He earned his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Kansas and his Master of Science in hospital pharmacy from Ohio State University. He completed a 24-month pharmacy residency with an emphasis in Health System Pharmacy Administration at The Ohio State University Medical Center. 

Elizabeth E. Early is regional vice president of professional and support services at Loyola Medicine. She also serves as interim president of Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. An accomplished healthcare executive with 20 years of progressive leadership experience in health systems, Ms. Early previously held positions with Amita Health, including chief ambulatory and ancillary officer, Lakeshore region, and vice president of operations at Saint Joseph Hospital. She has also held various leadership positions at UChicago Medicine and Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.

Ms. Early has been recognized as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Ohio University and went on to receive a Master of Health Administration from The Ohio State University.