President, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Paula Carynski joined OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in 1985 and became president in July 2013 after serving as vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer since 1999.

Throughout her tenure at OSF Saint Anthony, Paula has held various leadership positions, including director of Nursing Operations, director of the Regional Heart Institute, director of the Neuroscience Institute and director of Cardiovascular Services. She is a graduate of the Saint Anthony College of Nursing and Rockford College and earned a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Her professional development includes participation in the OSF Leadership Academy, where she was selected as one of 10 executives within the OSF Ministry to demonstrate superior leadership characteristics and a strong capacity for growth.

She is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and American College of Healthcare Executives. Additionally, Paula is board certified in Nursing Administration by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has been honored with the Distinguished Nurse Advocate Award from the Illinois Nurses Association District 3.

Active in the Rockford community, she serves on several organizations, including the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rosecrance, the Rockford Health Council and the American Heart Association.

In 2014, Paula received the Business Leadership Award from the YWCA of Rockford and was recognized as one of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s “People You Should Know.”

Vice President, Oncology Service Line

Ryan Luginbuhl is a seasoned health care professional recognized for his strategic leadership and extensive management expertise.

Armed with a Master of Business Administration from Bradley University and a background in radiography, Ryan consistently demonstrates unwavering dedication to elevating patient care standards. Throughout his career, he has effectively led multidisciplinary teams, spearheaded strategic initiatives and navigated the dynamic health care landscape to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care.

As Vice President of the Oncology Service Line at OSF HealthCare, Ryan integrates and enhances oncology programs systemwide, fostering partnerships to advance patient care. He recently led the development of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute Breakthrough Treatment Center, which has launched the area’s first Phase 1 clinical trials for cancer patients.

During his tenure as director of Ambulatory Development, Ryan drove the strategic planning of new ambulatory sites and facilitated the acquisition and integration of both large and small practices within OSF HealthCare. His previous roles, including Six Sigma black belt and manager of Strategic Practice Integration and Development, underscore his commitment to operational excellence and strategic alignment.

Ryan has received several accolades in recognition of his exceptional contributions, including being named one of Peoria Magazine’s 2023 40 Leaders Under 40 and Modern Healthcare’s 40 Under 40 in 2024.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Ryan actively engages in community service as a coach and board member for the Morton Youth Baseball Program, as an advocate for the KBStrong Foundation and his local church. His holistic approach to health care leadership, coupled with his dedication to community welfare, solidifies his position as a valuable asset and leader in the health care industry. His faith and family – his wife, Laura, and their three sons, Pierce, Bennett and Maverick - are what are most important to him and keep him grounded.

The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary are an international, Catholic Congregation of Religious Sisters founded by Venerable Mary Potter in Hyson Green, Nottingham, England on 2 July 1877. They are a worldwide, apostolic congregation of consecrated women in the Roman Catholic tradition following the spirit and model of Calvary. The Congregation is named for the "little company" of faithful followers who stayed with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, at the foot of the Cross throughout his suffering and death.

Venerable Mary Potter was a frail woman with a fierce determination and unwavering faith who wrote extensively about prayer and spirituality. For the next 15 years, her "little" company grew in both numbers and reputation, serving in Italy, Australia and Ireland.

As Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, they are called in spirit to be companions of Mary, Mother of God: one with her in mind and heart, as we live our lives with and for Christ. Their lives continue to be dedicated to making visible the healing presence of Jesus in the midst of human suffering, wherever and however it is experienced, through lives committed to being for the suffering of the world, as Mary was for her Son, Jesus, on Calvary - through prayer, compassion and presence. 

In 2019, Congregational Leadership called Sisters to an intentional prayer for peace and understanding between the faiths and cultures of our world: that the spirit of violence and conflict may no longer guide actions and attitudes. They believe that their spirit of standing in solidarity with the dying, in the many dying’s of soul, spirit, and body, for individuals and societies in the suffering world is much in need, particularly where vulnerable persons are trafficked or where the migrant or refugee is not welcomed. They choose to commit ourselves through prayer and the sharing of what we can through donation with projects which support those whose heart and spirit dies a little each day through trafficking or rejection and imprisonment for simply seeking a better life as a refugee.

The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary bear witness to the healing presence of Jesus by physically caring for the poor, sick, suffering and dying people in our midst. They pray constantly for all suffering and dying people throughout the world. In collaboration with others, they respond to the emerging health needs of the world today.

Their compassionate presence serves to bring physical, emotional and spiritual healing to those suffering from illnesses and fragmented relationships. The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, our Associates, and affiliated members are called to see and act through the lens of justice, to make visible the truth that all women and men are to share the fruits of God's graciousness in Jesus.