Michael Jhin

Michael Jhin was born and raised in Hong Kong until the age of eight, when his family immigrated to America. Michael survived Brooklyn and NYC to then live out, and thrive in, his American dream. He first came to Notre Dame in support of his wife Susan, an ILI Fellow, grateful for the enormous support she provided throughout his career. Inspired by their shared experience at ND, Michael became an ILI Fellow and then an ExteND Fellow himself. Calling ILI "a gift that keeps on giving," Michael relishes the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning. He can finally explore subjects he had previously avoided, having felt that as an immigrant, he only had the luxury to pursue areas where he was confident he would excel. Today, Michael and Susan continue to grow and learn at the University their three children attended and love, jokingly hoping their kids might finally stop thinking they’re smarter than their parents.

After fourteen exceptionally fulfilling years with the St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System (Houston, Texas) as its President and CEO, Michael retired and was named CEO Emeritus. The system was a $1 billion enterprise and was recognized by Fortune magazine in 2003 for the second time as one of the nation’s 100 best companies to work for—one of only four U.S. non-profit health entities earning that recognition. The hospital was also recognized as a Magnet Hospital for its compassionate and unexcelled nursing and patient care; it was one of only 82 (out of 6,000 U.S. hospitals) and the first hospital in Texas to receive such a designation.

An industry leader in advocating fuller community stewardship, Michael believes true stewardship has mission performance (doing good) as its “ends,” with corporate performance (doing well) as the “means to enable and enhance that end.” He led the creation of the first-of-its-kind St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities to solely expand its mission investments in the health of all people, especially Houstonians.

Michael Jhin has long had a passion for healthcare and the industry’s ability to help and heal people of all ages, as well as enhance their wellness. He actively contributes to not-for-profit as well as corporate boards, both locally and nationally.