Leadership Overview
MercyOne has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, financial management, legal compliance, and administrative oversight.
Committed to advancing community wellness, MercyOne delivers comprehensive health care services through a connected system of facilities. This organization prioritizes patient-centered care and regional health outcomes across Iowa.
Committed to advancing community wellness, MercyOne delivers comprehensive health care services through a connected system of facilities. This organization prioritizes patient-centered care and regional health outcomes across Iowa.
Leadership Roles at MercyOne
Aaron Flugum - Chief Executive Officer
Aaron Flugum, the Chief Executive Officer at MercyOne, directs the overarching strategic vision for the health system. Overseeing the integration of clinical services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all facilities maintain high standards of patient care. This leadership role involves coordinating with the board to expand health access across the Midwest. By aligning operational goals with community needs, Aaron Flugum drives sustainable growth and service excellence. The Chief Executive Officer monitors performance metrics to optimize resource allocation throughout the network. Through rigorous oversight of hospital operations, Flugum maintains the financial and clinical integrity of the system. This executive leadership fosters a culture of innovation, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in regional health care delivery while addressing the evolving demands of the modern medical landscape.
Robert Baxter - President & Chief Executive Officer
Robert Baxter, the President & Chief Executive Officer at MercyOne, manages the daily administrative functions of the health system. Focusing on operational efficiency, the President & Chief Executive Officer implements policies that streamline patient intake and care delivery. This role requires constant collaboration with department heads to ensure that clinical outcomes meet established benchmarks. By leveraging data-driven insights, Robert Baxter improves the quality of care provided across the network. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the implementation of new medical technologies to enhance diagnostic capabilities. Through strategic planning, Baxter secures the long-term viability of the organization. This leadership position demands a deep understanding of health care regulations and market trends. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the operational stability necessary to support the mission of providing accessible health services to the community.

Dan Aten - President & Chief Executive Officer
Dan Aten, the President & Chief Executive Officer at MercyOne, leads the expansion of specialized medical services within the health system. Concentrating on the development of new service lines, the President & Chief Executive Officer identifies opportunities to address gaps in regional health care. This role involves managing partnerships with external providers to broaden the scope of available treatments. By fostering a collaborative environment, Dan Aten ensures that clinical teams remain focused on patient-centered outcomes. The President & Chief Executive Officer evaluates the performance of various service departments to maximize operational impact. Through careful resource management, Aten supports the growth of specialized clinics and outpatient facilities. This executive role requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for advanced medical infrastructure. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the strategic initiatives that define the competitive position of the organization in the regional market.
Marcia Hendricks - Vice President & Chief Executive Officer
Marcia Hendricks, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer at MercyOne, oversees the integration of community health programs and outreach initiatives. Focusing on population health, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer designs strategies to improve wellness outcomes for diverse patient groups. This role involves coordinating with local stakeholders to ensure that health services remain accessible and relevant. By analyzing community health data, Marcia Hendricks identifies key areas for intervention and resource deployment. The Vice President & Chief Executive Officer manages the implementation of preventative care programs that reduce long-term health costs. Through effective leadership, Hendricks aligns organizational goals with the broader mission of community support. This executive position requires a commitment to health equity and service excellence. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the connection between the health system and the populations served across the region.

Jesica Hanson - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer
Jesica Hanson, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at MercyOne, directs the capital planning and budgetary strategy for the health system. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer manages investments and long-term fiscal forecasting. This role involves analyzing market trends to guide the allocation of funds toward high-impact medical projects. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Jesica Hanson ensures that the system remains solvent and capable of funding future growth. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to present financial reports and strategic recommendations. Through careful management of assets, Hanson supports the operational needs of all clinical departments. This executive position requires a deep understanding of health care economics and fiscal policy. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer drives the financial strategy that enables the organization to fulfill its mission.
Steven Kukla - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP
Steven Kukla, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at MercyOne, manages the enterprise-wide financial reporting and cost-containment strategies. Focusing on operational profitability, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP evaluates the performance of various service lines to optimize margins. This role involves overseeing the procurement of medical supplies and managing vendor contracts to reduce overhead costs. By implementing advanced financial modeling, Steven Kukla provides the leadership team with actionable insights for strategic decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP monitors cash flow and debt management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the health system. Through proactive financial planning, Kukla supports the expansion of clinical services and the modernization of facilities. This executive role requires a focus on efficiency and fiscal discipline. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP drives the financial performance that sustains the organization's commitment to community health.
Vanessa Freitag - Chief Operating Officer
Vanessa Freitag, the Chief Operating Officer at MercyOne, directs the daily logistics and facility management of the health system. Overseeing the supply chain and infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all medical facilities operate at peak performance. This role involves optimizing staffing levels and resource distribution to maintain high-quality patient care. By implementing lean management principles, Vanessa Freitag reduces operational waste and improves service delivery speed. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with clinical leaders to ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards. Through rigorous oversight, Freitag maintains the operational readiness of the entire network. This executive position requires a focus on scalability and efficiency to support the growth of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer drives the internal processes that allow the health system to provide consistent and reliable care to the communities served.
J.B. McConville - Chief of Staff
J.B. McConville, the Chief of Staff at MercyOne, coordinates the executive office operations and facilitates communication between leadership teams. Managing the flow of information, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive appropriate attention from the board and senior management. This role involves overseeing special projects that cross departmental lines to improve organizational agility. By streamlining decision-making processes, J.B. McConville enhances the efficiency of the executive suite. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure alignment with the overall mission of the health system. Through proactive management, McConville resolves operational bottlenecks that hinder progress. This leadership role requires exceptional organizational skills and a deep understanding of the internal dynamics of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff supports the executive team in executing the long-term vision and maintaining the operational focus of the entire health network.
Donna Sanders - Regional Chief Revenue Officer and Privacy Officer
Donna Sanders, the Regional Chief Revenue Officer and Privacy Officer at MercyOne, manages the financial cycle and data security protocols for the health system. Focusing on revenue integrity, the Regional Chief Revenue Officer and Privacy Officer oversees billing processes and insurance reimbursements to ensure fiscal health. This role involves implementing robust privacy frameworks to protect sensitive patient information in compliance with federal regulations. By auditing financial workflows, Donna Sanders identifies opportunities to improve collection efficiency and reduce administrative errors. The Regional Chief Revenue Officer and Privacy Officer collaborates with legal teams to mitigate risks associated with data management. Through strategic oversight, Sanders ensures that the organization maintains both financial stability and patient trust. This executive role requires a balance of analytical precision and regulatory expertise. Ultimately, the Regional Chief Revenue Officer and Privacy Officer secures the financial and ethical foundations of the health system.
Hannah Campbell - Chief Legal Officer
Hannah Campbell, the Chief Legal Officer at MercyOne, directs the legal strategy and compliance framework for the health system. Overseeing all contractual agreements and regulatory filings, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the organization operates within the bounds of state and federal law. This role involves managing litigation risks and providing counsel on complex health care policies. By proactively addressing legal challenges, Hannah Campbell protects the reputation and assets of the health system. The Chief Legal Officer collaborates with executive leadership to navigate the legal complexities of mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. Through rigorous oversight of compliance programs, Campbell maintains the ethical standards of the organization. This executive position requires a deep knowledge of health law and corporate governance. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer provides the legal foundation that allows the health system to innovate and grow while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
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