Gaspare Calvaruso
President of Capital Region Medical Center
Current job title and number of years/months in that position: Beginning Sept. 1, 2014, I will serve as president of Capital Region Medical Center.
Family: My wife, Melissa, is native to the area. Together we have three sons: Vito, 12; Vinnie, 10; and Nic, 7.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in history and a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. I earned my MBA from William Woods University.
Community involvement: I currently service as a board member for Lindenwood University. Previously, I served on the St. Charles Chamber Board, Partners for Progress Board, St. Charles Community College Foundation Board, Crisis Nursery Advisory Board, St. Charles Ambulance District Advisory Board, Commerce Bank Advisory Board, St. Charles Volunteers in Medicine Board and the Senior Elizabeth Ann Seton Men’s Club. I am excited for the opportunity to get involved and become a part of the Jefferson City community.
“We have the opportunity to make a profound impact at a very vulnerable point in the lives of patients and their loved ones. It is a tremendous responsibility.”
Why I am passionate about my job: The patients and families we care for make my job. Everyone who works in health care influences the patient experience. It is not always direct, but everyone plays a role in patient care. We have the opportunity to make a profound impact at a very vulnerable point in the lives of patients and their loved ones. It is a tremendous responsibility.
Biggest career obstacle I have overcome: My undergraduate degree in history and education did not provide me much knowledge in the realm of clinical procedures and health care policies. I had to learn many things on the job. Through extensive questions, observations and firsthand experiences, I eventually gained the knowledge to succeed.
Favorite Jefferson City charitable organization and why: The Capital Region Medical Foundation because it directly supports the hospital mission of improving health and promoting wellness to the people and communities it serves. As I settle into the community, I am eager to learn more about charitable organizations that make an impact on the local level.
Accomplishment that makes me most proud: Aside from my three sons, I am very proud of my St. Charles team’s accomplishments in my previous position. We revitalized the campus, improved the financial status of the organization, positively impacted patient satisfaction and increased employee morale and retention.
Favorite place to spend a Saturday afternoon: Spending time at our house at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Last book read: Lonely Planet: Western USA. This was my research project before our family embarked on an RV excursion from mid-Missouri to Yellowstone National Forest, Mount Rushmore and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Favorite TV show: It’s a toss-up from opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum: either The Simpsons or Forensic Files.
Favorite comfort food: A fresh loaf of Italian bread and a block of cheese with Italian salami.
Favorite app: Pandora
Dream vacation: I’d like to revisit Positano, a little town on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. My wife and I honeymooned there 13 years ago. I would love a return trip when our children are older.
Something that has changed my life: My previous time in Jefferson City, from 1995 to 1997, was very life changing for me in that I met my wife. We knew our familiarity with the community and our family relationships would eventually lead to our return to mid-Missouri.
Secret aspiration: I would love to have a cameo or be cast as an extra in a Hollywood movie or be a game show contestant on Jeopardy.
Source of inspiration: My mom and dad. My father emigrated from Sicily in 1960, and he and my mother worked hard and built a great life together. They taught my sister and me the importance of integrity, honesty and hard work.
Favorite hobbies: Golf, trivia, music and Fantasy Football
