Ed McCracken

Applying the Wheless Partners proven Portfolio Approach, Ed McCracken is the go-to search executive to a cadre of the nation’s select integrated healthcare delivery systems, academic medical centers, hospital networks and hospitals. Ed’s “straight talk”, robust knowledge of the competitive dynamics of the evolving healthcare industry, and skill to bring about unmatched positive outcomes have earned him “trusted advisor” status with his clients, who rely on him to help risk manage and ensure the lasting legacy of their institutions. Boards, Trustees, CEOs, C-Suite and Senior Level Executives, strategic CHROs and Search Committees routinely turn to Ed McCracken for his unique skill at constructively engaging and bringing before them extraordinary “top-of-the-bell-curve” candidates who also represent a cultural fit for the organization.

Candidates recruited by Ed are known to deliver bottom line performance and market-moving, transformative results, elevating the overall brand equity of the enterprises he serves and advancing their marketplace position locally, regionally and nationally. Prior to advancing to his career as a search and succession practice leader, Ed served as Chief Nurse Executive and Chief Clinical Officer for more than two decades in various organizations ranging from 100-bed hospitals to 1000-bed major, multi-hospital systems. Ed earned his masters and bachelor’s degrees in healthcare disciplines at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a member of L.R. Jordan Healthcare Management Society and has served on various leadership committees and elected positions within the AONE.