Newly formed Jackson, Miss.-based Merit Health has named Steve Dobbs CEO, according to The Vicksburg Post.
In January, six Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems-affiliated hospitals in the Jackson/Vicksburg, Miss. region combined to form Merit Health. The member hospitals include Merit Health Central, Merit Health Madison, Merit Health Rankin, Merit Health River Oaks, Merit Health River Region and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital, in addition to 36 affiliate clinic locations.
Mr. Dobbs is an experienced healthcare manager, having previously served in leadership roles at hospitals and healthcare organizations in Oklahoma, Florida and Kansas. Prior to his appointment at Merit Health, he served as CEO of Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma, a 20-member physician practice based in Tulsa.
In addition to Mr. Dobbs, three other executives were appointed to Merit Health's leadership team.
Jimmy Young was named CFO of Merit Health. As CFO, Mr. Young will oversee all six facilities under the Merit Health umbrella, and will also serve in a dual role as CFO of Merit Health River Oaks and Merit Health Woman's Hospital.
Greg Oden, MD, was appointed CMO. In this role, Dr. Oden will oversee the clinical integration and implementation of best practices across the organization's members. Additionally, he will assist in the development of the Merit Health Medical Group. Dr. Oden will continue to see patients at Merit Health hospitals in Jackson.
Tobey Houston, RN, was promoted to vice president of network development. Previously, she served as director of physician outreach and market development since 2011.