May 12, 2011 – Milwaukee, WI. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare has been named a 2011 Older Worker-Friendly Employer by the Sterling Awards Committee of Southeastern Wisconsin. Each year, the Sterling Awards Committee recognizes those workers over age 60 in Southeast Wisconsin who make outstanding contributions in the workforce. The committee also recognizes employers who provide a friendly and welcoming environment for older workers. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare was honored during a special ceremony May 10.

“We value the contributions mature associates make through their unique wisdom born of experience. They are essential to our Mission of providing exceptional and compassionate health care,” said John D. Oliverio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.

In addition, Rhonda Deneka, Oncology Patient Navigator at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints, received the Full Plate Award, which honors an older worker who combines work with regular volunteer commitment. Deneka serves as president of the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition, is a team leader with the National Breast Cancer Coalition, and is also actively involved in the Jane Cremer Foundation among others.

“Rhonda is an integral part of the oncology team,” said Ellen George, Manager of Oncology Support Services. “Her compassion for the patient is evident in all of her interactions. She is a true inspiration to her patients and fellow associates.”

Of the 11,000 associates in Southeast Wisconsin, 38% of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare associates are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s with more than 25% of the workforce over age 55. Nearly 12%, or 1,300 associates are over age 60.




Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare (WFH) is a Catholic, not-for-profit organization with more than 100 health and shelter organizations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Colorado, and Illinois. Started by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters more than 125 years ago and formally incorporated in 1983, WFH has corporate services offices in Wheaton, Illinois and Glendale, Wisconsin. In Southeast Wisconsin, WFH is co-sponsored by the Wheaton Franciscan and Felician Sisters and has nearly 11,000 associates, making it the second largest private employer in the area. Hospitals include All Saints in Racine County; Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph and The Wisconsin Heart Hospital Campuses, St. Francis, Franklin Hospital, and Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Milwaukee County; and Elmbrook Memorial in Waukesha County. The region also includes Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group with more than 350 physicians in more than 50 locations, a network of outpatient centers, three transitional and extended care facilities, Home Health, and Hospice. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is also affiliated with Affinity Healthcare in the Fox Valley and United Hospital System in Kenosha.