John Desmarais

Mr. John Charles Desmarais was a New Jersey native. After graduating from Don Bosco Preparatory High School, John pursued degrees at Farleigh Dickinson University and The Medical College of Virginia, where he earned his Master’s degree in Hospital Administration.

John served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Health Corporation, the parent company for The Medical Center, for 35 years until his retirement in 2010. Among his professional accomplishments, he considered the establishment of the Commonwealth Health Free Clinic to be his most important contribution to the community. John was also inducted into the Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky Business Hall of Fame in 2009.

In addition to being known as an aviator, storyteller, and devout to his faith, John was also known as a devoted husband and father. He was married to his wife, Ms. Christine L. Desmarais, for 15 years before his death in 2012. He had five children and several grandchildren.

After John’s passing, the law firm English, Lucas, Priest, and Owsley, LLP established the John Desmarais Scholarship Fund. Through this fund the memory of John Desmarais lives on in perpetuity as it assists WKU Nursing students.