On the Move: Hospital Leadership Changes for July 2026
Check out these leadership changes from hospitals around the state for the month of July 2026:
Mercy Hospital Lebanon Names Valerie Davis As Administrator
Valerie Davis has been named administrator of Mercy Hospital Lebanon, effective July 20. Davis also is the administrator of Mercy Hospital Aurora, Mercy Hospital Cassville and Mercy St. Francis Hospital. Davis replaces Jason Wilson.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital Names Nikki Stafford As President
Nikki Stafford has been named president of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, effective July 12. Stafford replaces Trisha Lollo, who is now the group president for BJC Health's Eastern Region.
Mercy Southeast Communities Names Amanda Shelast As President
Amanda Shelast has been named president of Mercy Southeast Communities, effective June 29. Shelast replaces Eric Ammons.
Carroll County Memorial Hospital Names Blake Riley As CEO
Blake Riley has been named CEO of Carroll County Memorial Hospital in Carrollton, Mo., effective June 22. Riley replaces Scott Thoreson.
Freeman Neosho Hospital Names Kyle Bridges As Interim CEO
Kyle Bridges has been named interim CEO of Freeman Neosho Hospital, effective May 18. Bridges replaces Renee Denton, who now serves as the market president of Freeman Health System.
Southeast Behavioral Hospital Names Wendy Pennington As Interim CEO
Wendy Pennington has been named interim CEO of Southeast Behavioral Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo., effective January 2026. Pennington replaces Tim Cockrell, who has retired.
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.