NewsOct 16, 2024

RUSH CEO Receives “40 Under 40” Leadership Honor

Crain’s Chicago Business has named Mike DeLaRosa, CEO of Rush Specialty Hospital, as a “40 Under 40” honoree. The publication bestows the recognition on the next generation of leaders guiding Chicago into the future.

In an interview with Crain’s, Mike, 38, said he was eager to serve as Rush Specialty Hospital’s inaugural CEO when it opened in late 2023 because it was an opportunity to lead a hospital that allows providers to follow a patient through both long-term acute care and inpatient rehabilitation while also building a strong, new team.

Mike previously served as market CEO for a multi-site, post-acute hospital system in Chicago.

Mike credits his father, who moved to Chicago from Puerto Rico at age 17, with teaching him the essentials of leadership, including recognizing the value of a team.

“Every team member has an important role to play in getting the best care, the best comfort, the best nutrition for the patient to get better and get home,” he said.

Mike McAlister, regional vice president at Select Medical, Rush’s joint venture partner for the specialty hospital, commended Mike’s leadership and communications styles.

“He’s got that easy, confident style and knows about the levels of care we’re providing and understands the community, which made him a great choice to start a new hospital from the ground up,” McAlister told Crain’s.