Eric Crowell, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines, today announced he will retire July 1. Over his 37-year career in health care, including 17 in his current position, Crowell has led organizations in Iowa, Illinois and nationally, and he has been an active volunteer in his community. 

UnityPoint Health-Des Moines has undergone significant growth during Crowell’s tenure, with key accomplishments including construction of Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines, the merger of Partners in Health with Iowa Health Physicians to create UnityPoint Clinic, and the opening of new emergency departments at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Blank Children’s Hospital and Methodist West Hospital. 

Before returning to Des Moines in 2001 to lead UnityPoint Health-Des Moines (formerly Iowa Health-Des Moines), Crowell was president and CEO of Trinity Health System in Moline, Ill. The Des Moines native graduated from East High School and has an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and a Master of Hospital Administration degree from the University of Minnesota.

“Eric is one of the rare leaders with the ability to establish a vision and inspire people to achieve more than they ever thought possible,” said Kevin Vermeer, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health, which is UnityPoint Health-Des Moines’ parent organization. 

“It has been an honor to serve,” Crowell said. “More than anyone, I wish to thank the employees of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines who inspire me every day. These dedicated professionals consistently deliver and create a compassionate environment for expert care. The success of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines is theirs, and I am proud to have stood by their side.” 

Crowell has served on numerous boards, including the boards of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines University, Des Moines Performing Arts, Grand View University and the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers. He received the distinguished Citation of Achievement Award from the College of Business at Iowa State University in 2011, is an East High School Distinguished Alumni, and was named a Distinguished Eagle Scout by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

UnityPoint Health will conduct a search for UnityPoint Health-Des Moines’ next president and CEO. The search will include internal and external candidates and will be led by UnityPoint Health board Chair Brad Brody. No timeline for naming Crowell’s successor has been announced.