Healthcare Leader will Speak at Mount Mary Winter Commencement

Ann Tesmer vividly remembers the excitement and anticipation of walking across the stage at her college graduation 30 years ago. This December the experience will come full circle when the Mount Mary alumna returns as a 2024 winter commencement speaker for her alma mater.

A university trustee and Milwaukee area healthcare leader, Tesmer will share excerpts from her academic and professional journey during the Dec. 14 ceremony.

Tesmer is a twice graduate of Mount Mary—first earning a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and later returning to pursue a Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership. The university’s holistic, collaborative and patient-centered approach to occupational therapy deeply resonated with her, and she credits the skills and perspective that she gained as a student with preparing her for a challenging and rewarding career.

Early in her student clinical rotations, Tesmer learned that the best care outcomes happen through collaborative efforts and a willingness to listen to patients’ needs. These important lessons have continued to reverberate throughout her career. In her current role as vice president of ambulatory operations at Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Tesmer oversees clinical services, business operations and quality of care delivery, and builds community partnerships. Although she values her experience as an occupational therapist, Tesmer believes that this role allows her to positively impact more lives than ever before.

“Care delivery must be driven by values, not transactions,” said Tesmer. “Healthcare is personal – providers of care have the opportunity to partner with patients to help them achieve their unique best health.”

To the graduating class, she offers impactful words of advice.

“Trust your instincts and inner compass, and lean into your passions,” Tesmer said. “And always remain open to the possibilities and pivots you’ll encounter long the way.”