Sherry Ward

Vice President of Total Rewards

SSM Health

Sherry Ward joined SSM Health in July 2020 in the role of Vice President of Total Rewards. Her prior experience includes leadership roles at BJC Healthcare, Maritz Holdings, Solutia, Caleres (formerly Brown Shoe Company) and Sara Lee Bakery Group. Her experience in variety of industries (healthcare, manufacturing, retail and professional services) has provided her with unique insights specific to employee and organizational expectations related to work-force well-being and has taken her on a journey over her career as the data surrounding and supporting a focus on well-being has evolved.v

Sherry has a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from Maryville University in St. Louis and her master’s degree (with a focus in finance and marketing) from Fontbonne University in St. Louis. This interesting educational background positions her differently than most leaders in Human Resources, providing a unique lens toward employee value and experience based on data and science as it relates to the holistic wellbeing of the audiences she serves.

Since social, emotional and spiritual well-being are essential components to consider for someone’s health, Sherry also spends her time supporting various not for profit entities in her community through board roles. Sherry is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross- Greater St. Louis Chapter while also serving on the Executive Team for the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Arc. Additionally, she serves on the Advisory Board for Kids Rock Cancer through Maryville University which provides music therapy services for pediatric oncology patients in St. Louis. Sherry is the mother of three sons (and four bonus children) and resides in Wildwood, Missouri with her partner, Cliff.