After three decades of service, Bert Kelser is retiring from OSF Saint Katharine, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and deep-rooted friendships. Bert began her journey on April 19, 1995, as a Payroll Analyst at KSB Hospital under the mentorship of Debra Didier—whom she fondly remembers as “the best mentor and leader ever." In 2020, she transitioned into the role of Compensation Analyst, continuing to serve with the same dedication and heart that defined her career.
Throughout her time at KSB and OSF, Bert was a trusted resource, a “go-to" person for employees across the organization. Her favorite part of the job? “Working with amazing employees and leaders," she says. “I loved being there for everyone, answering questions, and helping however I could. The trust and respect I received meant the world to me."
Bert's impact extended far beyond her job title. She served as Chairperson of the Caring Friends Board for 28 of her 30 years, helping raise funds and fulfill over 9,000 assistance requests. She also achieved the remarkable milestone of posting over 850 payroll cycles—translating to more than 760,000 paychecks—while navigating the complexities of payroll regulations with precision.
As she steps into retirement, Bert looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, traveling and golfing with her husband, gardening, and crafting. She's especially excited to collaborate with her nephew on new creations for his Etsy shop.
When asked what message she'd like to leave behind, Bert shared this advice, “Connect with everyone and lead with compassion. Listen with your heart. Commit to the moment because we are not promised tomorrow."