The Missouri Hospital Association has grown its membership to 136 hospitals with the addition of St. Louis Children's Hospital and KVC Health Systems Youth Mental Health Care in Webster Groves, Mo, which is scheduled to open in late 2026.

The new member reflects MHA's continued commitment to bringing together hospitals and health systems that share a goal of improving the health and well-being of Missouri communities.

MHA's 136 member hospitals represent a diverse range of organizations across the state working collectively to strengthen health care delivery and meet the evolving needs of patients and communities. Through MHA membership, hospitals have access to advocacy, data and analytics, workforce resources, education, collaboration opportunities and quality and patient safety support.

MHA welcomes St. Louis Children's Hospital and KVC Health Systems Youth Mental Health Care and looks forward to partnering with its leaders and caregivers to advance health care in Missouri.

Landmark Hospital of Joplin Names Eric Yap As Interim CEO

Eric Yap has been named interim CEO of Landmark Hospital of Joplin, effective Aug. 28. Yap replaces Robert Samples.

Crittenton Children’s Center Names Karla Torain As Administrator

Karla Torain has been named administrator of Saint Luke’s Crittenton Children’s Center in Kansas City, Mo., effective Aug. 9. Torain replaces Marshaun Butler.

Salem Memorial District Hospital Names Brent Peirick As CEO

Brent Peirick has been named CEO of Salem Memorial District Hospital, effective Aug. 24. Peirick replaces Amber Hogan, who was serving as the interim CEO. Hogan will return to her role as chief nursing officer.

Contributing to HEALTHPAC, the Missouri Hospital Association’s political action committee, is an investment in the future of hospitals, health care and the health of Missourians.

With Missouri’s primary election over, and candidates and voters turning their focus to November’s general election, HEALTHPAC is more important than ever in ensuring hospitals have a united, effective voice in decisions that affect health care delivery. In addition, HEALTHPAC helps to amplify hospitals’ voices amid growing competition from other advocacy groups.

Election season provides a critical opportunity to support candidates who understand the issues facing Missouri hospitals, health systems and the communities they serve. MHA directs HEALTHPAC contributions to candidates who have demonstrated support for health care priorities and are committed to strengthening hospitals and access to care statewide.

In 2025, a total of 351 donors contributed $150,859 to HEALTHPAC. There were 144 contributions made to candidates last year.

“Thanks to HEALTHPAC contributions, we get to know elected officials individually and are able to communicate with them one-on-one about our issues,” said Jane Drummond, MHA's general counsel and senior vice president of governmental relations. “Candidates, especially those in their first race or in a tough race, remember who supported them, which fosters good relationships with elected officials.”

Once MHA has established relationships with elected officials, “we are looked upon as a trusted partner in developing policies that are good for the state,” Drummond said. “Elected officials, even those we support, may not always vote how we want them to on a particular bill. However, if we have supported a candidate, they are likely to listen to our position and try to help us find a compromise that works.”

2026 Campaign

The 2026 HEALTHPAC campaign runs through Wednesday, Sept. 30, with a goal of raising $180,000 in contributions.

As of Aug. 8, this year’s HEALTHPAC fundraising goal is 10% met.

Goals also are set for each hospital and health system based on their number of full-time equivalent staff. To meet the goal, MHA suggests each solicitable individual contribute one-tenth of 1% of their salary. For example, a leader who makes $100,000 annually is suggested to contribute $100.

Because each member hospital and health system benefits from the PAC funds raised, it is essential that each member does its part to meet fundraising goals.

A goals flyer and fundraising toolkit are available for download to support hospital solicitation efforts.

How to Contribute

Hospital leaders can contribute to HEALTHPAC in two ways.

• Make a credit card contribution online.
• To contribute by check, use this form. Make checks payable to HEALTHPAC. Submit forms and checks with a transmittal form.
  

AHAPAC

MHA also partners with the American Hospital Association for AHAPAC, a bipartisan PAC supporting federal candidates who back the hospital policy agenda. This year’s goal is to raise $52,700 for AHAPAC.

Contributions to AHAPAC can be made online or by check payable to AHAPAC, using this form and a transmittal form. New AHAPAC donors should contact Christy Carel, MHA's director of membership services, to set up an account.

Learn More

For more information about HEALTHPAC and AHAPAC, including campaign resources, or to make a contribution, visit MHA’s website.

DISCLAIMER: HEALTHPAC is a state-registered, nonpartisan PAC that contributes to candidates and elected officials statewide who share our agenda and champion issues of importance to hospitals and their patients. It provides a vehicle through which hospital employees can participate in Missouri’s political process.

HEALTHPAC can accept personal contributions. It also can accept corporate contributions, but only from for-profit entities. These for-profit corporations must operate under a valid certificate of authority issued by the Missouri Secretary of State. Limited liability companies that have not elected to be classified as a corporation under federal tax law may contribute to HEALTHPAC, provided they have been in existence for one year and registered with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Federal law prohibits corporate contributions by not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations. Public hospitals also are prohibited by state law from making corporate contributions to PACs.

Contributions to HEALTHPAC are not tax deductible. State laws require us to use our best efforts to collect and report certain information about donors.

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.

Last week, the Missouri Hospital Association and two hospitals in Jefferson City, Mo., welcomed Jeff Kahrs, regional director for Region 7 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for a visit focused on the state of hospitals in Missouri.

Kahrs met with MHA staff as well as leaders from MU Health Care’s Capital Region Medical Center and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Jefferson City. During tours of both hospitals, he discussed the 340B Drug Pricing Program and its role in supporting patient care and community services.

At SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Kahrs learned about the “Hope and Healing” Food Bag program, a partnership with Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri. This program provides patients who have been screened for food insecurity with two days’ worth of meals and snacks upon discharge, helping address immediate nutritional needs and support recovery at home.

Laura Kaiser, president and CEO of St. Louis-based SSM Health, has been elected chair-elect designate of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees. She will serve as AHA chair-elect in 2027 and become the AHA chair in 2028.

Kaiser has led SSM Health since 2017, overseeing a health system with 24 hospitals, more than 540 physician offices and outpatient sites, and 40,000 employees across Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. A University of Missouri graduate, Kaiser has served on the AHA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee and has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the nation’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for eight consecutive years.

The American Hospital Association on June 30 announced the appointment of Steve Walsh as its next president and CEO. Walsh, who has served as president and CEO of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association since 2017, will assume leadership of the nation’s largest hospital and health care system membership organization, representing nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems, networks and other providers of care. Walsh replaces outgoing AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack, who announced in December 2025 his plan to retire this year.

MHA and the Mindshare Institute have partnered to build new mission-driven businesses and establish additional health care utilities. These shared, nonprofit entities are designed to deliver essential services at the lowest sustainable cost while driving operational efficiencies and a stronger return on investment for participating hospitals.

The MHA Board of Trustees recently approved an investment of up to $3 million with the Mindshare Institute to support the development of these health care utilities and other scalable solutions.

“The people of Missouri’s hospitals relentlessly innovate each day to do the sacred work of caring for patients and supporting their communities in an environment that is growing more complex,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA’s president and CEO. “With the Mindshare Institute, MHA can create practical, forward-looking solutions to help our members meet their current and future missions.”

Missouri hospitals continue to navigate challenges such as supply chain disruptions, rising operational and workforce costs, and increasing demand for integrated data and coordinated care. While these pressures vary by organization, many require shared approaches to achieve meaningful scale and impact.

“This partnership enables Missouri hospitals and health systems to help create solutions to improve affordability, strengthen sustainability and support the long-term health of the communities they serve,” Doolittle added. “We’re excited, in partnership with our members, to help shape the outside influences that previously were beyond our control.”

Rather than building standalone programs, MHA and the Mindshare Institute will work together to do the following.

• accelerate innovation through multi-hospital (and health system) collaboration
• develop scalable solutions that reduce cost and complexity
• expand access to tools that improve performance and sustainability

Over time, this work is expected to deliver practical services that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen hospitals’ ability to serve patients and communities.

MHA will continue to engage members in identifying priority areas and will provide regular updates on emerging initiatives and outcomes.

As health care continues to evolve, Doolittle noted one principle remains constant — hospitals are strongest when they work together. This investment represents an important step toward building the partnerships and infrastructure needed to shape the future of health care and positions Missouri hospitals to help lead change.

Salem Memorial District Hospital Names Amber Hogan As Interim CEO

Amber Hogan has been named the interim CEO of Salem Memorial District Hospital, effective June 1. Hogan replaces Brooke Bollman.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System Names Freddie Anderson Jr. As CEO

Freddie Anderson Jr. has been named the CEO of Lakeland Behavioral Health System, effective April 27. Anderson replaces Jenn Card, who was serving as interim CEO.

Mercy Joplin Communities Names Jeff Carrier As President

Jeff Carrier has been named the president of Mercy Joplin Communities, effective May 4. Carrier replaces Jeremy Drinkwitz.

Landmark Hospital of Columbia Names Greg Lessard As CEO 

Greg Lessard has been named the CEO of Landmark Hospital of Columbia, effective Jan. 26. Lessard replaces Sharon Noe.

Mercy Hospital Lincoln Names Jacob Kliethermes As Administrator

Jacob Kliethermes has been named the administrator of Mercy Hospital Lincoln in Troy, Mo., effective Jan. 18. Kliethermes replaces Alan Smith, who was serving as interim administrator.

Last week, Missouri hospitals welcomed Jeff Kahrs, regional director for Region 7 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and congressional staff for a series of site visits and discussions highlighting the innovation, challenges and patient-centered care taking place across the state’s health care system. Congressional staff participating throughout the visits included Seth York from Congressman Bob Onder’s office, Kris Cook from Congresswoman Ann Wagner’s office and Jordan Blase from Congressman Wesley Bell’s office.

Throughout the visits, hospital leaders emphasized the critical role hospitals play not only as providers of care, but also as innovators, educators, employers and community partners. Conversations reinforced the importance of thoughtful federal policy decisions that strengthen access to care, support the health care workforce and preserve hospitals’ ability to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

At the University of Missouri, leaders showcased research and education initiatives advancing patient care. The visit included a tour of the NextGen Precision Health building, where interdisciplinary research is driving new treatments and precision medicine. Discussions also highlighted the School of Medicine’s longitudinal nutrition curriculum and a tour of the University of Missouri Research Reactor, a major national source of medical isotopes. At Children’s Hospital at MU Health Care, leaders emphasized the importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program in sustaining access to specialized pediatric services, supported in part by the hospital’s recently opened 160-bed facility.

During a stop at Boone Hospital Center, Brady Dubois, CEO, and Dr. Lana Zerrer, chief medical officer, discussed the growing challenges patients face navigating Medicare Advantage coverage requirements and the need for prior authorization reform to reduce delays in care and administrative burden on providers.

Leaders at St. Louis Children’s Hospital welcomed Kahrs and Cook for a tour of the hospital’s pediatric cancer and heart and vascular units. Trish Lollo and her team shared stories of lifesaving pediatric care while families spoke directly about their experiences and the critical role physicians, nurses and innovative therapies have played in their children’s journeys. Hospital leaders also emphasized the importance of the 340B program in helping ensure access to cancer treatments and gene therapies for the children and families they serve.

At Mercy, leaders discussed the importance of preserving the 340B program and concerns surrounding proposed rebate models that could create additional administrative complexity and barriers for patients. Mercy leaders also highlighted the system’s telehealth infrastructure and its role in expanding behavioral health services across communities throughout the state. Additional conversations addressed workplace violence in health care settings and the challenges hospitals face balancing employee safety efforts with federal EMTALA obligations. Joining the discussion were Mercy St. Louis Communities President Tricia McGusty, members of her leadership team and Cook.

Leaders at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital discussed partnerships with local food banks and nutrition support programs designed to address social drivers of health and improve patient outcomes. Conversations also focused on how 340B supports programs like the hospital’s WISH Center, ongoing workforce shortages — particularly among imaging technicians — and the importance of physician visa programs in helping hospitals meet patient care needs. Blase also participated in the visit. 

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R‑Mo., highlighted priorities for strengthening rural hospitals, including affordability, access and cybersecurity at the American Hospital Association’s Annual Membership Meeting held April 19-21 in Washington, D.C.

Hawley warned that proposed changes to provider taxes in the budget reconciliation bill could harm rural hospitals and urged Congress to act before they take effect.

He also called for doubling funds for the Rural Health Transformation Program and emphasized the need for new, sustainable funding streams. In addition, Hawley addressed rising health care costs, proposing tax‑deductible health care expenses and underscored the growing cybersecurity challenges facing rural hospitals.

Hawley spoke to hospital leaders during a federal forum at the AHA meeting, where he answered questions posed by MHA Board Chair Stephen L. Reintjes Sr., M.D., president and CEO of NKC Health.

Congressional Delegation Meetings

In conjunction with AHA’s meeting, Missouri Hospital Association staff accompanied several MHA-member hospital leaders to Capitol Hill to meet with Missouri’s congressional delegation.

MHA members met with Hawley’s and Sen. Eric Schmitt’s staff as well as Reps. Eric Burlison, Emanuel Cleaver II, Sam Graves, Robert Onder, Jason Smith and Ann Wagner, and staff for Reps. Mark Alford and Wesley Bell.

Discussions focused on the Medicare Advantage reform, site-neutral payment policies, training and retaining newly trained physicians, rural hospital support and sustainability, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, cybersecurity for rural hospitals and a legislative outlook. MHA staff and members thanked their delegation for supporting various pieces of legislation in Congress.

The following leaders and staff from MHA-member hospitals participated in federal advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., with both MHA and AHA.

• Nick Barto, Ginna Rivera, Steve Bernstetter and Christian Morgan, BJC Health
• Lisa Horn and Dallas Polen, Children's Mercy Kansas City
• Rick Stevens, FACHE, Christian Hospital
• Teresa Coyan, MBA, CoxHealth
• Matthew Fry and Pamela Lanier, Freeman Health System
• Craig Thompson, P.T., MSA, FACHE, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare
• Raghu Adiga, M.D., Liberty Hospital
• Dr. Reintjes and Richelle Marting, J.D., MHSA, RHIA, CPC, NKC Health
• Jason Shenefield, MBA, FACHE; Jana Cook, MBA, CPA; Casey Burton, Ph.D.; and Arin Sgroi, Phelps Health
• Shawn Dryden, MHSA, FACHE; Ellyn Rosenblum and Kim Buie, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital
• Jake Vance, Saint Luke's Health - BJC Western Region
• Ellie Harmon, St. Louis Children's Hospital
• Andrew Bagnall, MHA, FACHE, St. Luke's Health Corporation
• Kamera Meaney, M.A., MBA, University Health Truman Medical Center
• Michele Meyer, M.A., BSN, R.N., Washington County Memorial Hospital

Northeast Regional Medical Center Names Dwayne Blaylock As Interim CEO

Dwayne Blaylock has been named the interim CEO of Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Mo., effective April 8. Blaylock replaces Patrick Avila.

Saint Luke’s East, Saint Luke’s South Hospitals Name Monica Smith As President

Monica Smith has been named the president of Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Saint Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan., effective April 13. Smith replaces Bobby Olm-Shipman.

Leaders from Missouri’s critical access hospitals gathered April 15 in Jefferson City, Mo., for a Critical Access Hospital Network meeting hosted by the Missouri Hospital Association. During the full-day meeting, attendees learned about updates on several health care initiatives, met for collaborative discussions and visited with their state lawmakers.

Members of MHA’s senior leadership team provided attendees with updates on the Rural Health Transformation Program and workplace safety. Following a legislative briefing, MHA’s governmental relations team and CAH leaders traveled to the Missouri State Capitol to meet with legislators and discuss sustaining access to care in rural communities.

The CAH Network is an MHA engagement group that supports rural hospitals through education, collaboration and advocacy.

“Meetings like this one reinforce MHA’s commitment to strengthening Missouri’s rural health care system and ensuring that critical access hospitals remain positioned to meet the needs of their communities,” said Nate Blackford, MHA’s senior vice president of membership services.

The following Missouri CAH leaders attended the meeting.

• Don Carpenter, CEO, Cedar County Memorial Hospital
• Karla Clubine, CEO, Pershing Health System
• Valerie Davis, administrator, Mercy Hospital Aurora, Mercy Hospital Carthage and Mercy St. Francis Hospital
• Kristen DeHart, CEO, Excelsior Springs Hospital
• Belinda Farmer, administrator, Mercy Hospital Carthage
• Martha Gragg, CEO, Sullivan County Memorial Hospital
• William Hellebusch, administrator, Hermann Area District Hospital
• Nikki Hendren, COO, Harrison County Community Hospital
• Steve Henson, CEO, Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital
• Chris Lang, CEO, Cass Regional Medical Center
• Lisa Lochner, president, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
• Michele Meyer, CEO, Washington County Memorial Hospital
• Tylie Mills, CEO, Pike County Memorial Hospital
• Blake Riley, COO, Carroll County Memorial Hospital
• Ann Schlueter, CEO, Community Hospital - Fairfax
• Laura Smith, CEO, Ellett Memorial Hospital
• Meagan Weber, CEO, Scotland County Hospital
• Jill Williams, CEO, Samaritan Hospital

Mercy Names Tricia McGusty New President Of Mercy St. Louis Communities

Tricia McGusty has been named the president of Mercy St. Louis Communities. McGusty replaces Dr. David Meiners, who will serve as an executive adviser.

Cedar County Memorial Hospital Names CEO

Don Carpenter has been named the CEO of Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs, Mo. Carpenter replaces Carla Gilbert who will continue to serve as the CFO.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System Names CEO

Jenn Card has been named the CEO of Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Springfield, Mo. Card replaces Brady Serafin, who was serving as the interim CEO.

Belton Regional Medical Center Names CEO

Dan Astleford has been named the CEO of Belton Regional Medical Center. Astleford replaces Todd Krass, who is retiring after serving as CEO for more than 20 years.

The Missouri Hospital Association’s Physician Executive Group met for the first time this year, and during their visit to Jefferson City, Mo., on March 3, they visited with state legislators at the Missouri Capitol.

This group of MHA-member hospital chief medical officers and physician leaders started their day hearing about public health updates from Heidi B. Miller, M.D., chief medical officer with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and meeting Mindy Laughlin, new director of the DHSS Division of Regulation and Licensure.

Attendees also learned about updates regarding the Rural Health Transformation Program and discussed workforce retention challenges and opportunities, including funding for medical school clerkships through Missouri’s new Rural Health Transformation Office.

“MHA convenes physician executives to create a dedicated forum where clinical leaders from across the state can learn together, exchange real-world experiences and collaborate on emerging challenges,” said MHA Division Vice President of Membership Services Brett Moorehouse. “By bringing these executives into one room, we strengthen clinical leadership, accelerate innovation, and ensure that hospitals are aligned in improving care quality, patient safety, and system performance statewide.”

In the afternoon, the physician leaders took part in legislative visits with their respective state lawmakers. Topics discussed included prior authorization reforms, physician licensure reforms, the role of advanced practice nurses, emergency department staffing models, managed care denials and delays, and 340B protections.

The following Missouri hospital physician executives attended the meeting.

• Nitin Anand, M.D., Missouri Baptist Medical Center
• Adam J. Fritz, M.D., SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
• Alex Garza, M.D., SSM Health
• William M. Gilbirds II, M.D., Saint Luke's North Hospital - Barry Road
• Chakshu Gupta, M.D., Liberty Hospital
• Randall D. Haight, M.D., MU Health Care's Capital Region Medical Center
• Laura Kristy Haggett, D.O., SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles
• Zafar Akram Jamkhana, M.D., SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital/SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis
• Sean Kumer, M.D., The University of Kansas Health System
• Alexandre Lacasse, M.D., SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis
• Sonia Melkaveri, M.D., SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint Louis
• Shawn Usery, M.D., CoxHealth
• Sriram Vissa, M.D., SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis
• Stevan P. Whitt, M.D., MU Health Care
• Lana Zerrer, M.D., Boone Hospital Center
• Nadia Zia, M.D., Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital

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

Saint Luke’s Hospital Of Kansas City Names President

Bobby Olm-Shipman has been named the president of Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, effective Feb. 1. Olm-Shipman replaces Jani Johnson.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System Names Interim CEO

Brady Serafin has been named the interim CEO of Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Springfield, Mo. Serafin replaces Nathan Duncan.

Perimeter Behavioral Hospital Of Springfield Names CEO

Crystal Hanson has been named the CEO of Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Springfield. Hanson replaces Alyssa Ingle.  

Electing leaders who understand the essential role hospitals play in Missouri’s health care system and in the communities they serve is a cornerstone of effective advocacy. MHA’s PAC, HEALTHPAC, is one of the most important tools supporting this work. 

Together, these collective efforts help elect candidates who value hospitals and the patients they care for, while shaping a policy environment that enables hospitals to thrive and deliver high-quality care across the state. 

Thank you for your continued leadership, commitment and support of Missouri’s hospitals and the patients they serve. 

Ray County Hospital And Healthcare Names CEO

Lisa Dekezel has been named the CEO of Ray County Hospital and Healthcare in Richmond, Mo., effective Jan. 12. Dekezel replaces Earl Sheehy.

Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital Names CEO

David Fredericks has been named the CEO of Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in Columbia, Mo., effective Oct. 14. Fredericks replaces Monica Gooch.

Iron County Medical Center Names Interim CEO

Billie Jo Russell has been named the interim CEO of Iron County Medical Center in Pilot Knob, Mo., effective Dec. 31, 2025. Russell also serves as the chief nursing officer. Russell replaces Dr. Bruce Harrison.

“Rick has provided steady leadership during times of rapid change in health care,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “He helped build a national framework for hospitals’ response to COVID-19 and has been a fierce advocate for hospitals and the front-line team members who work to improve care and health.”

From advancing public policy that supports hospitals’ missions to creating learning opportunities to improve health and care, MHA remains committed to developing an environment where hospitals thrive and deliver exceptional care.

Advocating for hospitals

In 2025, MHA continued working with state and federal lawmakers and agencies to support policies that strengthen hospitals and allow innovation while blocking or delaying harmful proposals.

At the state level, MHA’s advocacy team supported prior authorization reform and budget initiatives and opposed attempts to undo 340B Drug Pricing Program contract pharmacy protections and other bills that would usher in emergency department staffing requirements. MHA partnered with hospital leaders to encourage and provide testimony on key legislation regarding these issues during the state legislative session. In addition, MHA was a tier-one stakeholder in Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Program grant application.

At the federal level, MHA staff and hospital leaders also advocated to extend key Medicare payments, delay cuts to Disproportionate Share Hospital program payments and increase the Medicare physician fee schedule. MHA coordinated two federal advocacy visits to Washington, D.C., and facilitated hospital visits with state lawmakers in 2025. Twenty state lawmakers visited eight hospitals and members of Missouri’s congressional delegation also visited eight hospitals.

On the regulatory front, MHA’s staff continue to remove roadblocks in physician credentialing and improve the state’s Time Critical Diagnosis system. MHA and the Hospital Industry Data Institute are using data and stories to make the case for regulatory relief.

Delivering financial value

In 2025, MHA’s advocacy efforts helped direct millions in funding to support Missouri’s hospitals. Federal wage index work with hospital finance teams will increase Medicare payments in Missouri. State advocacy delivered provider tax relief, funds to offset some of the costs associated with behavioral health treatment and boarding, and workforce development. These efforts resulted in the following:

• $151 million in wage index adjustments
• $25 million for inpatient psychiatric care
• $20 million of general revenue for the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (used to partially fund Missouri's Medicaid program)
• $7.5 million for inpatient boarding (including funds for both behavioral health and developmental disabilities)
• $4 million for the Nursing Education Incentive Program (including general revenue and Board of Nursing funds)

Building a resilient workforce

Workforce development remains a top priority for MHA. In 2025, MHA established a broader vision for strategic workforce investments and programs built on these five pillars:

• workforce readiness and pipeline development
• empowering environment
• workplace safety
• leadership and professional development
• regulatory optimization

Thanks to the participation of Missouri’s hospitals, MHA once again developed its annual workforce report.

The 2025 Health Care Career Day drew nearly 15,000 students and 580 counselors and educators who engaged with nine hospitals. MHA’s Preceptor Academy and Clinical Faculty Academy, each held numerous times throughout the year, trained more than 600 participants.

Plus, 44 health care workers graduated from the 22nd Annual Health Care Leadership Series, and 200 individuals attended the Health Care Workforce Innovation Bi-State Summit, a partnership between the Missouri and Kansas hospital associations.

Educating and building trust

As public trust in institutions has declined, MHA is working hard to help policymakers and the public understand the importance of hospitals to their communities. In 2025, MHA launched a statewide #MoHospitalsCare storytelling campaign — featuring 125 hospitals so far.

MHA also is improving transparency by moving community benefit, quality and pricing data to a new hub at MissouriHealthMatters.com, a centralized resource for advocacy and public engagement.

Improving maternal health

MHA leads the Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative to improve maternal health outcomes. Fifty-five hospital birthing teams have partnered with the MO PQC, which educated 637 stakeholders through in-person events in 2025.

MO PQC this year launched Ask Me 5 — an initiative encouraging open patient-provider conversations. More than 90 providers have pledged to participate in this program.

Sharing knowledge and fostering innovation

Education and collaboration are core to MHA’s mission. In 2025, MHA delivered educational programming to 7,219 hospital team members, including its Annual Convention, which brought together more than 680 attendees.

In addition, HIDI expanded its data capabilities to deliver member value by implementing new Patient Safety, MO PQC and Hospital Performance Insights dashboards.

HIDI also recently announced its partnership with Hyve Health for the Payer Performance Initiative and a pilot program for the Vitality Index Payer Scorecard, a real-time tool that benchmarks payer performance, identifies friction points and improves transparency in payer relationships. More than 15 hospitals have enrolled in this program.

Why membership matters

MHA is committed to helping hospitals achieve their current and future missions by ensuring our expertise, tools and leadership are focused on today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Learn more about the value of MHA membership, and read MHA’s 2025 membership impact report.

Maryland Heights Center For Behavioral Health Names Administrator

Jacki Pudlowski has been named the administrator of Maryland Heights Center for Behavioral Health effective Nov. 3. Pudlowski replaces Stacy Wilson, who will serve as the director of nursing.

Community Hospital - Fairfax Names CEO

Ann Schlueter has been named the CEO of Community Hospital – Fairfax effective Oct. 1. Schlueter replaces Julie Jones.

BJC Health System Names CEO

Nick Barto has been named the CEO of BJC Health System effective Oct. 1. Barto replaces Rich Liekweg.

Cedar County Memorial Hospital Names Interim CEO

Carla Gilbert has been named the interim CEO of Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs, Mo., effective Oct. 22. She also is currently the CFO. Gilbert replaces Terry Nichols.

John J. Pershing VA Medical Center Names Director

Kevin Bass has been named the medical center director of John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo., effective Oct. 20. Bass replaces Fabian Grabski, who was serving as the interim medical center director. Grabski has returned to his role as COO of VA St. Louis Health Care System.

Osage Beach Center For Behavioral Health Names Administrator

Roger Smyth has been named the administrator of Osage Beach Center for Behavioral Health effective Oct. 27. Smyth replaces Karen Pilgrim.

Ozarks Healthcare Names New CEO

Terence Farrell has been named the CEO of Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains, Mo. His appointment became effective in September 2025. Farrell replaces Melody Trimble, who has been serving as the interim CEO.

St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Hospital Names CEO

Jennifer Rockwell has been named the next CEO of St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Hospital, effective Sept. 15. Rockwell replaces Michael Kelly.

Center For Behavioral Medicine Names New CEO

Erin Bear has been named the next CEO of the Center for Behavioral Medicine in Kansas City, Mo. Bear has served as the interim CEO since January 2025. She replaces Megan Roedel.

Centerpoint Medical Center Names New CEO

Patrick Rafferty was named CEO of Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo. His appointment became effective in July 2025. He replaces John McDonald.

Landmark Hospital Of Cape Girardeau Names New CEO

Maria Sudak has been named the new CEO of Landmark Hospital of Cape Girardeau, effective June 30. She replaces Debbie Sabella.

Moberly Regional Medical Center Names New CEO

Benjamin Hughes has been named the new CEO of Moberly Regional Medical Center effective June 2. He replaces Jarrett Millsaps, who was serving as the interim CEO.

Nevada Regional Medical Center Names Interim CEO 

Jason McCormick has been serving as the interim CEO of Nevada Regional Medical Center, effective June 2. He replaces Jason Anglin.

Kindred Hospital St. Louis South Names New CEO

Vearnail Herzog has been named the new CEO of Kindred Hospital St. Louis South. She replaces Angela Green.

Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital Names New CEO

Steve Henson is serving as the new CEO of Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, effective June 23. He replaces Hirshell Parker, who was serving as interim CEO after the departure of Steve Pautler.

Kansas City VA Medical Center Names Acting Director

Paula Roychaudhuri is serving as the acting director of Kansas City VA Medical Center. She replaces Paul Hopkins, who will be serving as acting director of Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital.

Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital Names Acting Director

Paul Hopkins is serving as the acting director of Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. He replaces Chris Myhaver. 

Rich Liekweg, CEO of BJC HealthCare, has announced he will retire Wednesday, Oct. 1. He has been a member of the MHA Board of Trustees since 2018 and served as board chair in 2023. In 2022, Liekweg was honored with MHA’s Visionary Leadership Award. 

"Rich has made an incredible imprint on Missouri hospitals through his service and leadership beyond BJC HealthCare to the Missouri Hospital Association," said Jon D. Doolittle, president and CEO of MHA. "Rich was the right leader at the right time on MHA's board to help our state's hospitals navigate the global pandemic and then rebuild with an emphasis on innovation and living our values of taking care of people in an ever-evolving health care environment."

The BJC Health System Board of Directors has appointed Nick Barto, current BJC Health System president, to succeed Liekweg as president and CEO.

 “MHA is thrilled that Mr. Barto, a proven Missouri-based leader, will continue to build upon BJC HealthCare’s legacy of exceptional leadership for its system and our association," Doolittle added.

Ray County Hospital & Healthcare names interim CEO

Earl Sheehy has been named the interim CEO of Ray County Hospital & Healthcare in Richmond, Mo., effective May 27. He replaces Jeffrey Bloemker.

Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems name interim CEO

Brittany Osborne has been named the interim medical center director of Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems in Hayti, Mo., effective May 21. She replaces Dr. David Ketchum.

John J. Pershing VA Medical Center names interim medical center director

Fabian Grabski has been named the interim Medical Center Director of John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Grabski has served as the interim director since October 2024. He replaces James Warren, who is the associate director.

Kim Henrichsen has been named the next president of SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and SSM Health St. Mary’s – St. Louis, effective April 21. Henrichsen has served as the interim president since December 2024. She replaces Steven Scott.

St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Hospital Names CEO

Michael Kelly has been named the next CEO of St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo., effective April 21. Kelly replaces Jim Whitacre, who was serving as the interim CEO.

Parker Named Interim CEO of Ste. Genevieve County Hospital

Hirshell Parker has been named the interim CEO of Ste. Genevieve County Hospital, effective Saturday, April 19. Parker currently is serving as the executive director of quality and risk management. He brings more than two decades of expertise in health care operations, risk management and quality assurance to the role. Parker replaces Dr. Steve Pautler, who has held the CEO position since August 2020.

New Leadership for Landmark Hospital of Columbia 

Sharon Noe is serving as the chief executive officer of Landmark Hospital of Columbia. Noe brings more than 30 years of operations and development experience to the position. She has served as CEO, COO and chief development officer across several national organizations. Noe replaces Kerry Ashment who was the CEO of the facility since April 2024.

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital–Jefferson City Names Interim President

Justin Morley was named the interim president of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Jefferson City, effective April 7. Morley also is serving as the COO of the hospital. He replaces K.C. DeBoer who held the president position since August 2022.

Kindred Hospital Northland Names CEO

Christopher Brady was named the next CEO of Kindred Hospital Northland in Kansas City, Mo., effective March 31. Brady replaces Rachelle Stockman, resource administrator, who has served as the interim CEO since Laura Inge’s departure last November.

Moberly Regional Medical Center Names New Leadership

Moberly Regional Medical Center named Benjamin Hughes as the next CEO, effective Monday, June 2. Hughes is currently the COO of East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, Ga. He brings more than a decade of health care operations experience to the role. Jarrett Millsaps currently is serving as the interim CEO of the hospital until Hughes officially takes over in June. He replaces Michael Hall who served as the CEO since July 2022.

Moore Named President of Mercy Washington and Lincoln Communities

Marie Moore was named the next president of Mercy Washington and Lincoln Communities, effective March 3. Moore previously was the chief nursing officer of Mercy Springfield and has been with Mercy for more than 17 years, serving in several leadership positions.

New Administrator Named for Center for Behavioral Health Maryland Heights

Center for Behavioral Health Maryland Heights has named Stacy Wilson as the new administrator, effective Feb. 27. She replaces Laura Outlaw, who served as the administrator since May 2023.

Osage Beach Center for Behavioral Health Names Administrator

Osage Beach Center for Behavioral Health has named Karen Pilgrim as the new administrator, effective Feb. 10. Pilgrim replaces Teresa Fisher, who served as the interim administrator of the hospital since Lydia Porter Jones’ departure in December 2024. Fisher now will serve as the associate vice president for the region.

Long-Term Acute Care Hospital, Mosaic Life Care at St. Joseph Names New President

Shannon Grams has been named the new president of Long-Term Acute Care Hospital, Mosaic Life Care at St. Joseph, effective Feb. 1. Dana Anderson previously served as the president of the hospital since November 2015. Anderson now is the COO of Mosaic Medical Center-Maryville. 

St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center Names CEO

Kathryn Thumann is the new CEO of St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center. Thumann previously served as the COO of the facility. She transitioned into the CEO position after Felix Vincenz, Ph.D., retired at the end of December 2024. Vincenz served as the CEO since November 2021.

Freeman Health System Appoints New President and CEO

Matthew Fry has been named the next president and CEO of Freeman Health System, Joplin, Mo., effective Tuesday, April 1. Fry’s previous roles include serving as market president and CEO of Central Illinois for Hospital Sisters Health System, president and CEO of HSHS St. John's Hospital, Springfield, Ill., and COO and assistant administrator of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Oakland, Calif. Fry will succeed Paula Baker, who has served as president and CEO of Freeman Health System for 13 years.

SSM Health Names Interim Leadership at St. Louis Hospitals

Kim Henrichsen has been named the interim platform president of SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital – St. Louis, effective Dec. 23, 2024. Henrichsen will serve until a permanent replacement is found for Steven Scott, who retired in December after serving as the CEO since January 2019.

Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville Names President

After serving as the interim president, Scott Koelliker has been officially appointed president of Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville, effective Jan. 23. Koelliker served as the interim COO last August and then transitioned to interim president in October. Koelliker started in patient care as a trauma nurse in the emergency department more than 30 years ago and has experience with hospital inpatient care, clinic outpatient care and executive leadership roles with the hospital.

Bear Named Acting CEO of Center for Behavioral Medicine

Erin Bear has been named the acting CEO of Center for Behavioral Medicine, Kansas City, Mo., effective Jan. 16. She replaces Megan Roedel, who has been serving as the COO and administrator.

Kindred Hospitals Name Interim Leadership

Angela Green is serving as the resource market CEO of Kindred Hospital St. Louis and Kindred Hospital St. Louis South until a permanent replacement is named. Effective Jan. 9, Green took over the CEO role replacing Larry Rodgers who held the position since July 2022. Rachelle Stockman is serving as the resource administrator of Kindred Hospital Northland, Kansas City, Mo., effective Jan. 9. She will be the interim CEO until a replacement for Laura Inge is named. Inge served as the CEO of the hospital since Aug. 2017. 

Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center Names CEO

Hope Turner is the new CEO of Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, St. Joseph, Mo., effective Oct. 17, 2024. Turner replaces Tara Tubbesing who served as the chief operating officer of the hospital since December 2018.  

St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Hospital Names Interim CEO

Jim Whitacre will serve as the interim CEO of St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo., effective Jan. 7. Whitacre will serve until a permanent replacement is named for Bruce Eady. Eady has been CEO of the hospital since April 2023.

General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital Names New Commander

Col. Angela Diebal-Lee became the new hospital commander at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, effective Nov. 1, 2024. Col. Diebal-Lee replaced Col. Stacey Amos, who served as the hospital commander since July 2022.

Children’s Mercy Kansas City Names New President/CEO

Alejandro Quiroga, M.D., MBA, was appointed the next president and CEO of Children’s Mercy Kansas City, effective Jan. 2. Dr. Quiroga previously served at Corewell Health, the largest health care system in Michigan. There, he was president of Corewell Health West and held several other leadership positions, including chief medical officer of ambulatory and population health. Paul Kempinski, who served as the president and CEO of the hospital since November 2018, will stay on through January 2025 to assist with the transition.