New Missouri Hospital CEOs Engage With Lawmakers, Explore MHA Resources
Each year, the Missouri Hospital Association convenes new CEOs of MHA-member hospitals to introduce them to the breadth of resources and subject matter expertise available through MHA membership.
This year’s event, held Feb. 17-18, provided valuable networking opportunities and covered a variety of topics, including engaging in strong advocacy, advancing data-driven quality and safety, and strengthening members through leadership development, workforce initiatives and innovative value-added services.
“We understand that hospital leadership is challenging, especially if you are new to the CEO role or simply a new CEO in Missouri. Our two days together provide a unique opportunity for networking and education,” said Nate Blackford, MHA’s senior vice president of membership services.
“In addition to receiving an overview of MHA’s programs and services, attendees get the chance to meet with legislators at the Missouri Capitol, discuss key issues facing hospitals, and build relationships with MHA staff and other health care leaders across the state,” Blackford said.
During the meetings with their respective state legislators, hospital executives discussed the importance of access to health care in the appropriate setting and the vital roles that hospitals play in their communities. These opportunities to meet with lawmakers allow hospital leaders to build and continue enhancing their relationships with members of the Missouri legislature.
The following new Missouri hospital leaders attended this year’s orientation.
- Shivani Bass, CEO, The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis-West County
- Christopher Brady, CEO, Kindred Hospital Northland
- David Fredericks, CEO, Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital
- Steve Henson, CEO, Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital
- Tonya Johnson, COO, MU Health Care's University Hospital
- Takisha Lovelace, CEO, The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis-St. Peters
- Marie Moore, president, Mercy Hospital Washington and Lincoln Communities
- Justin Morley, interim president/COO, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Jefferson City
- Angelleen Peters-Lewis, president, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, and COO, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- Jacki Pudlowski, administrator, Center for Behavioral Health Maryland Heights
- Billie Jo Russell, interim CEO/chief nursing officer, Iron County Medical Center
- Ann Schlueter, CEO, Community Hospital – Fairfax
- Roger Smyth, administrator, Osage Beach Center for Behavioral Health
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.