Maria Knecht

Maria Knecht, MSN, serves as the President of Endeavor Health Glenbrook Hospital, a position she has held since January 2024. She also has oversight of Endeavor Health’s Capacity Management Center and Centralized Staffing Office, as well as System Lab Services.

Prior to her current appointment, Knecht served as Glenbrook Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President and was instrumental in enhancing compassionate, patient-focused, quality care and driving strategic initiatives across various clinical service lines.

Knecht played a key role in the opening of Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute at Glenbrook Hospital, a first-of-its-kind facility in Illinois and a regional destination for advanced heart care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was also instrumental in leading Glenbrook Hospital’s temporary transformation to a dedicated COVID-19 hospital for NorthShore University HealthSystem, helping ensure patients received the best possible care and team members felt safe and supported.

Knecht is proud of her 37 years as a nurse and believes her experience lends a unique perspective to her current role. Throughout her career, Knecht has been recognized for her strong leadership skills, creative problem-solving, grace under pressure and commitment to caring for others. Her expertise includes medical-surgical, critical care, surgical and emergency services, behavioral health, capacity management and several other key departments. 

Prior to her tenure at Endeavor Health, Knecht held senior leadership roles at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. 

Knecht earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Loyola University Chicago and a certificate in Nursing and Healthcare Administration from the University of Illinois System. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

She is a member of the Glenview Chamber of Commerce and works closely with organizations serving the Glenview and Northbrook communities. She has a strong passion for environmental causes and served for many years as an active member of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Willowbrook Wildlife Foundation, holding many roles, including President. She is also a 20-year member of The Conservation Foundation. 

Knecht shares one son with her husband of 33 years as well as Bailey, their rescue dog. In her spare time, she can be found reading, cooking, walking and enjoying music.