Posted on July 6, 2023
Mary Free Bed Celebrates Retirement of Three Long-Time Leaders
This month, three long-time leaders and clinicians celebrated their retirement from Mary Free Bed.
- Ingrid Cheslek, RN, chief operating officer
- Michael Jakubowski, MD, chief medical officer
- Richard Ball, MD, medical director of the Mary Free Bed PM&R Residency program
Through their leadership, mentorship and dedication to the Mary Free Bed mission, these exemplary team members have made a lasting contribution to the growth of Mary Free Bed staff, services and programs.
Ingrid spent more than three decades at Metro Health Hospital serving in various nursing and leadership roles. In 2015, she joined Mary Free Bed as chief nursing officer. The following year, she added chief clinical operations officer to her list of responsibilities.
During her time at Mary Free Bed, Ingrid helped improve patient satisfaction, staff engagement, patient outcomes, CMS star ratings and financial sustainability. Before retiring, Ingrid was named chief operating officer, overseeing Mary Free Bed’s health care operations.
“I’ve been in health care for several decades, and to finish out my career at Mary Free Bed has been a true gift,” recalled Ingrid. “I worked with amazing leaders and staff who provide hope and freedom every day to the patients we serve.”
Ingrid’s role of chief operating officer has been assumed by Bruce Brasser, RN, who was previously vice president of the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network.
Dr. Michael Jakubowski came to West Michigan to help provide more comprehensive rehabilitation services. He began working as a physician with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids in 1986. He eventually served as the hospital’s chief of staff before becoming chief medical officer. During his time, Mary Free Bed’s medical staff has grown to over 300 physicians and advanced practice providers across the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network.
Dr. Jakubowski was Instrumental in the development of Mary Free Bed’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency, which is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. He also helped Mary Free Bed become a Spinal Cord Injury Model System, recognized by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research.
“Our history and culture will continue to lead us and lift us up, as we pursue our great mission on behalf of our patients,” says Dr. Jakubowski. “Thank you to each and every member of our amazing and caring Mary Free Bed team.”
Dr. Jakubowski’s role of chief medical officer has been assumed by Benjamin Bruinsma, MD, who was previously chief of staff.
Dr. Ball joined Mary Free Bed in 2018 after 30 years of private practice in Traverse City. He was the medical director of Mary Free Bed’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency (PM&R) program and provided electrodiagnostic procedures for outpatient programs.
“Mary Free Bed is a storied, historic institution with a legacy approaching 135 years,” reflects Dr. Ball. “My time here has given me the opportunity to finish my career teaching and pass on a lifetime of learning to new physicians.”
His role as medical director of the PM&R Residency program will be filled by Adam Lamm, MD, who previously served as associate program director.
The trio celebrated their retirement among family and friends this month with an event at Millennium Park. Mary Free Bed staff were able to toast them at a celebratory tea this week in the hospital’s café.
Thank you to Ingrid, Dr. Jakubowski, and Dr. Ball for your service and dedication to restoring hope and freedom through rehabilitation. You will be missed – wishing you all the best in retirement!
