Mark Casanova has been appointed CEO at Northwest Health – La Porte and Northwest Health – Starke, effective Feb. 10.

Prior to joining Valparaiso-based Northwest Health, Casanova served as CEO at Terre Haute Regional Hospital since 2021. During his tenure in Terre Haute, he expanded key service lines, increased operational efficiencies, strengthened community engagement and oversaw a capital investment in the facility.

Prior to that, Casanova served as president of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – South in Corpus Christi, Texas for nine years.

“We are excited to welcome Mark to Northwest Health,” said Jessica Romine, Northwest Health – La Porte board of trustees chair, in a press release. “With Mark’s track record at other hospitals we’re confident he will continue moving our hospital to the forefront of healthcare for La Porte County and surrounding communities.”

Born and raised in New Orleans, Casanova started his career as a respiratory therapist. He progressed through leadership ranks at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee before joining the CHRISTUS Health System. 

Casanova earned a bachelor’s degree in cardiopulmonary science from Louisiana State University and a master of health administration from the University of Memphis.  

“I have been impressed with everyone I’ve met while interviewing,” Casanova said. “It was evident through many conversations that Northwest Health has the high level of organizational pride and love for the community that is attractive for me and my family.”

Northwest Health is a health care system serving communities in Northwest Indiana. The system includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service and physician offices. Northwest Health has more than 700 physicians on its medical staffs.