Bronson Battle Creek Names Tresa Kruis Interim COO
Experienced Bronson leader and Battle Creek resident to lead hospital operations as national search begins
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Bronson Healthcare announced today that Tresa Kruis, MSN, RN, will serve as interim chief operating officer (COO) for Bronson Battle Creek following Joe du Lac’s departure for another opportunity. Du Lac served as COO since 2022, and during his tenure, led a significant organizational turnaround to a positive operating margin, strengthening the hospital’s long-term viability and building relationships and trust throughout the Battle Creek community.
A Battle Creek resident, Kruis began her career at Bronson Battle Creek, where she served from 1995 to 2014 before joining Bronson Methodist Hospital as director of nursing. She was named vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for Bronson Methodist Hospital in 2025 and leads more than 1,000 team members.
Known for her servant leadership style and ability to foster inclusive, high-performing teams, Kruis has longstanding ties to Battle Creek and will provide continuity and stability for the community while helping Bronson Battle Creek build on the strong foundation and positive momentum already in place. She will report directly to Bill Manns, president and CEO of Bronson Healthcare. Lisa Padgett will serve on an interim basis in Kruis’ current role at Bronson Methodist Hospital, reporting to Kim Hatchel, SVP and COO at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
“Tresa is a proven, highly respected leader with deep roots in the Battle Creek community and a long history of serving Bronson patients, caregivers and providers,” said Manns. “She understands this hospital, this team and the community, and is well positioned to lead through this transition.”
“Battle Creek is my home, and I’m honored to step into this role and support the team who cares for this amazing community,” said Kruis. “I’m eager to get started, listen and learn, and work alongside our caregivers, providers and leaders to build on the strong foundation already in place at Bronson Battle Creek.”
Kruis holds a Master of Science in Nursing, Leadership & Management from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan. She is a board-certified nurse executive through the American Organization of Nurse Executives, Michigan Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Association of Critical Care Nurses.
A national search for a permanent COO will begin later this month.
