FAMILY & HOME
Get to Know Mercy ’ s Donn Sorensen
Former Mercy St . Louis president , Donn Sorensen , has settled into his new , larger role as executive vice president of operations for Mercy Health System , which has more than 40,000 employees . Still based in St . Louis , Sorensen continues to drive the healthcare system ’ s many initiatives , and supports several philanthropic causes . His book , “ Big-Hearted Leadership ,” is a must-read for aspirational leaders . He sat down to share some quick-fire answers in a brief question and answer session with Gazelle STL .
Gazelle : What is your most memorable moment in your professional life ? Sorensen : Being at our Mercy Hospital in Joplin , Missouri , at the first light after the 2011 tragic EF5 tornado that devastated our hospital and city .
Gazelle : You have publicly shared that you are dyslexic . How did you overcome your challenges to become a top executive at one of the country ’ s largest healthcare systems ? Sorensen : I use it as a motivator , not as an excuse .
Gazelle : What are you most passionate about right now ? Sorensen : Helping underprivileged children . I am currently the chairman of the nonprofit , Care to Learn , and serve on the governing board of the Make-A-Wish Missouri chapter .
Gazelle : What is the one big thing you can share with aspiring leaders to help them be big-hearted leaders ? Sorensen : Lead with your heart , and lead authentically . Oprah Winfrey once said , “ I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I have become . If I had , I ’ d have done it a lot earlier .”
Gazelle : Tell us a little bit about your family . Sorensen : My son , Alec , is 24 , lives in St . Louis and works for ROSCH Company . My daughter , Jenna , is 19 and a sophomore at Saint Louis University .
Gazelle : What are your hobbies outside of work ? Sorensen : I enjoy spending time at Table Rock Lake with my children and friends .
Gazelle : You have already accomplished so much . What is next for Donn Sorensen ?
Sorensen : I want to deepen and broaden my life .
A few of his favorite things : Favorite restaurant : Café Napoli Favorite movie : I have to confess , I love “ stupid ” movies like “ Animal House ,” “ Dumb and Dumber ” and “ Airplane ,” and one of my favorites - “ Tommy Boy .” Favorite vacation spot : Any place I ’ m with my family and friends .
54 GAZELLE STL