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"I enjoy working with health care people. They are special, unique... they aren’t just working at a job, they have a calling."

The same might be said for David Ochs.

His calling started decades ago when he accepted a job in the finance department at Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington, Illinois. He had just graduated with a degree in business administration from St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kansas. "Bloomington is where my wife grew up and was close to my home, having been born and raised in Peoria," he says.

He moved into administration when Eureka Hospital was purchased by Mennonite Hospital in 1977, and five years later went to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville. In 1988 he joined the OSF family here in Pontiac. "I just love the atmosphere where people are sensitive to helping others; it definitely reflects the Sisters’ Mission." Pontiac may not be a major metropolitan area, "but we are very blessed in that we continue to attract top level talent in every field.

"I like to be busy, and I’m very hands-on," he says. "Every day is different and challenging, whether I’m dealing with the needs of the medical staff, or finances or patient care or community involvement. I really enjoy the variety and the constant people contact."

One of the reasons for that constant contact may be that he likes to get out of the office and stroll the halls... during all shifts. "I’ll just show up with a cup of coffee and sit down and talk. I’ll ask what’s going on, what’s on their minds. And believe me, they’ll tell you. People around here are very straightforward, which is a comforting attribute. It eliminates a lot of guess work."

At home, David’s interests are also varied. He loves to play golf and collect stamps and coins. Reading is also a favorite past time, "especially biographies and histories about the presidents or the Revolutionary and Civil Wars."

David has been married to Patricia (who volunteers at the hospital by managing the gift shop) for 43 years; they are the parents of four grown children, three daughters and a son. There are also six grandchildren, all girls! The Ochs love to travel: going on a cruise is a favorite. And with all those grandkids, "definitely Disney World!"