Job Description

Merit Health River Region is your community healthcare provider, a 361-bed facility with inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, emergency, and medical and surgical services. The dedicated patient care team consists of trained medical professionals, skilled nurses, compassionate support staff and volunteers working together to provide patient-centered care in a professional and personal environment. We are a care leader, as Mississippi's first accredited Chest Pain Center and the state's first digital mammography center. And we work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.

Job Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of all hospital and/or health system operations. The CEO ensures the success of the hospital through quality enhancement, cost containment, revenue growth, and the development of strong relationships with hospital staff, board members, and community leaders. This role provides strategic direction, financial oversight, and operational leadership to drive efficiency, optimize patient care, and ensure regulatory compliance. The CEO collaborates with corporate leadership, physicians, and key stakeholders to implement policies, improve hospital performance, and support long-term growth initiatives.

Essential Functions

Oversees hospital operations to ensure high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective patient care while meeting strategic and financial objectives. Develops and implements hospital policies, procedures, and long-term strategic plans in collaboration with system leadership. Provides leadership to hospital managers, directors, and officers to promote engagement, ownership of goals, and participation in decision-making. Ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements, working closely with the Chief Nursing Officer and other leaders to maintain quality and safety standards. Builds and maintains strong relationships with physicians, taking a leadership role in physician recruitment and retention to support service line growth and patient care. Identifies cost-saving opportunities, working with the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Nursing Officer to eliminate non-value-added expenses while maintaining operational excellence. Represents the hospital at board meetings, medical staff meetings, and community engagements, strengthening relationships with stakeholders and enhancing the hospital’s presence in the community. Participates in monthly operational reviews and system-level meetings to monitor hospital performance and ensure alignment with corporate goals. Monitors changes in healthcare policies, regulations, and market trends to anticipate challenges and develop strategies for financial and operational success. Oversees leadership development programs and mentors emerging healthcare leaders to foster a culture of professional growth and succession planning. Promotes the hospital’s mission and vision, ensuring alignment with community needs and regulatory expectations. Leads initiatives to measure and improve quality, patient satisfaction, and service excellence. Ensures hospital services align with the needs of the community while maintaining high standards of patient care. Collaborates with hospital leadership, including CFOs and CNOs, to develop and execute financial and operational strategies that drive revenue growth and cost management. Works closely with corporate senior leadership, providing updates on hospital performance, financial metrics, and key initiatives. Ensures achievement of short- and long-term financial and operational goals, aligning with corporate and regional objectives. Leads performance improvement initiatives by analyzing operational data and identifying areas for enhancement. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Master's Degree in Hospital Administration, Business Administration, or related field required More than 10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare administration required 5-7 years in an executive or senior leadership role required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of hospital operations, healthcare regulations, and financial management principles. Strong strategic planning and leadership skills to drive operational excellence and growth. Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians, healthcare teams, board members, and external stakeholders. Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, revenue cycle management, and cost control strategies. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage staff, foster teamwork, and build strong partnerships. Experience with performance improvement initiatives and data-driven decision-making to enhance hospital efficiency and patient care. Ability to analyze market trends, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions for organizational success. Knowledge of accreditation standards, compliance requirements, and best practices in hospital administration.