SSM Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

SSM Health has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, quality, clinical strategy, administration, regional management, and executive leadership.

Committed to delivering exceptional care, SSM Health advances a mission of revealing the healing presence of God through compassionate, community-focused, and high-quality medical services across its extensive network.

Leadership Roles at SSM Health

  • Chief Operating Officer - Tonya Stacy NLT
  • Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin - Susan Anderson
  • President - Laura Walczak
  • Group President (Southern Illinois) - Dmitry Tumin
  • President, St. Mary's Hospital (Mid-Missouri) - Kenneth DeBoer
  • Associate Chief Marketing Officer, Quality & Patient Safety - David Wathen
  • Chief Medical Officer - Greg Burnett
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Caroline Battles
  • Regional Chief Medical Officer - Amir Jaffer
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - John Nguyen
  • Tonya Stacy NLT - Chief Operating Officer

    Tonya Stacy NLT, the Chief Operating Officer at SSM Health, directs the daily clinical and administrative functions across the entire hospital network. Overseeing complex facility workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that outpatient centers and acute care hospitals maintain rigorous quality standards. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to support the mission of providing compassionate care. By streamlining operational processes, Tonya Stacy NLT directly impacts the efficiency of medical service delivery throughout the regional footprint. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to implement standardized protocols that enhance patient outcomes. Through constant monitoring of performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer drives continuous improvement in hospital operations. This strategic oversight remains vital for sustaining the reputation of the organization as a pioneer in quality measures. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability necessary for long-term growth and excellence in healthcare delivery.

    Susan Anderson - Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin

    Susan Anderson, the Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin at SSM Health, directs all healthcare operations and strategic growth initiatives within the Wisconsin market. Overseeing the performance of hospitals and clinics in this region, the Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin ensures that local care delivery meets the high standards of the broader system. This leadership role involves managing regional partnerships and expanding access to medical services. By tailoring clinical strategies to the specific needs of the Wisconsin community, Susan Anderson directly impacts the health outcomes of the population. The Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin coordinates with system-wide leadership to align regional goals with the mission of the organization. Through the effective management of regional assets, the Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin drives growth and operational excellence. This strategic oversight ensures that the values of the system are reflected in every patient interaction. Ultimately, the Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin secures the success of the organization in the northern market.

    Laura Walczak - President

    Laura Walczak, the President at SSM Health, architects the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth plan for the entire health system. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures that all organizational activities remain focused on the mission of providing exceptional care. This leadership role involves navigating complex market dynamics and fostering innovation in healthcare delivery. By setting the tone for the culture of compassion and respect, Laura Walczak directly impacts the success of the organization. The President collaborates with the Board to define the future direction of the system and its role in the national healthcare landscape. Through the alignment of clinical and administrative goals, the President drives the system toward its objectives. This strategic position requires a deep commitment to the values of the organization and a focus on sustainable impact. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the system as a pioneer in the use of quality measures.
    Laura Walczak

    Dmitry Tumin - Group President (Southern Illinois)

    Dmitry Tumin, the Group President (Southern Illinois) at SSM Health, directs the clinical and operational strategy for the Southern Illinois region. Overseeing the integration of hospital services and outpatient facilities, the Group President (Southern Illinois) ensures that the regional network provides consistent, high-quality care. This leadership role involves managing regional growth and addressing the specific health needs of the local population. By optimizing the delivery of services in this area, Dmitry Tumin directly impacts the accessibility of care for the community. The Group President (Southern Illinois) coordinates with system leadership to implement standardized quality measures and operational improvements. Through the effective management of regional resources, the Group President (Southern Illinois) drives the mission of the organization forward. This strategic focus ensures that the values of the system are upheld across all Southern Illinois facilities. Ultimately, the Group President (Southern Illinois) secures the operational health and growth of the regional network.

    Kenneth DeBoer - President, St. Mary's Hospital (Mid-Missouri)

    Kenneth DeBoer, the President, St. Mary's Hospital (Mid-Missouri) at SSM Health, directs the daily operations and clinical performance of the Mid-Missouri facility. Overseeing the hospital staff and patient care services, the President, St. Mary's Hospital (Mid-Missouri) ensures that the institution maintains the highest standards of quality and safety. This leadership role involves managing local community relations and ensuring that the hospital meets the needs of the region. By fostering a culture of compassion and respect, Kenneth DeBoer directly impacts the patient experience at the facility. The President, St. Mary's Hospital (Mid-Missouri) coordinates with system-wide leadership to implement best practices and improve clinical outcomes. Through the effective management of hospital resources, the President, St. Mary's Hospital (Mid-Missouri) drives the mission of the organization. This strategic position requires a focus on operational excellence and community engagement. Ultimately, the President, St. Mary's Hospital (Mid-Missouri) secures the reputation of the hospital as a leader in care.
    Kenneth DeBoer

    David Wathen - Associate Chief Marketing Officer, Quality & Patient Safety

    David Wathen, the Associate Chief Marketing Officer, Quality & Patient Safety at SSM Health, architects communication strategies that highlight the commitment to clinical excellence and patient safety. Overseeing the public perception of quality initiatives, the Associate Chief Marketing Officer, Quality & Patient Safety ensures that the community understands the rigorous standards applied to every medical procedure. This leadership role involves aligning marketing messaging with the actual clinical outcomes achieved across the hospital system. By translating complex quality data into accessible information, David Wathen directly impacts the trust patients place in the organization. The Associate Chief Marketing Officer, Quality & Patient Safety collaborates with clinical teams to showcase the effectiveness of safety protocols. Through targeted outreach, the Associate Chief Marketing Officer, Quality & Patient Safety promotes the values of respect and community. This strategic focus supports the broader mission by reinforcing the reputation of the health system as a leader in patient-centered care.

    Greg Burnett - Chief Medical Officer

    Greg Burnett, the Chief Medical Officer at SSM Health, directs the clinical strategy and medical standards for the entire health system. Overseeing the integration of evidence-based practices, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all physicians and clinical staff adhere to the highest levels of care. This leadership role involves managing the medical staff governance and fostering a culture of continuous learning. By implementing advanced quality measures, Greg Burnett directly impacts the clinical efficacy of the organization. The Chief Medical Officer coordinates with hospital leadership to address complex health challenges and improve patient safety protocols. Through the oversight of medical group operations, the Chief Medical Officer drives excellence in diagnostic and treatment services. This strategic position remains essential for maintaining the international reputation of the system as a pioneer in healthcare quality. Ultimately, the Chief Medical Officer secures the clinical integrity required to fulfill the mission of providing exceptional health services.

    Caroline Battles - Chief Administrative Officer

    Caroline Battles, the Chief Administrative Officer at SSM Health, manages the organizational infrastructure and internal support systems that enable high-quality care. Overseeing administrative functions, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that business processes align with the core values of stewardship and compassion. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental initiatives to improve organizational agility. By optimizing administrative workflows, Caroline Battles directly impacts the overall efficiency of the health system. The Chief Administrative Officer works closely with the executive team to implement policies that support staff engagement and operational sustainability. Through the management of internal resources, the Chief Administrative Officer drives the strategic goals of the organization. This role requires a focus on long-term stability and the effective deployment of assets across the regional network. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer secures the administrative foundation necessary for the system to continue its mission of providing healing services to the community.

    Amir Jaffer - Regional Chief Medical Officer

    Amir Jaffer, the Regional Chief Medical Officer at SSM Health, directs the clinical quality and medical staff performance across the assigned regional network. Overseeing the implementation of evidence-based protocols, the Regional Chief Medical Officer ensures that all clinical teams provide safe and effective care. This leadership role involves mentoring medical staff and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By monitoring clinical outcomes and patient safety data, Amir Jaffer directly impacts the quality of care delivered in the region. The Regional Chief Medical Officer coordinates with hospital leadership to address clinical challenges and optimize medical service delivery. Through the oversight of regional medical practices, the Regional Chief Medical Officer drives the strategic goals of the organization. This role requires a focus on clinical excellence and the application of advanced quality measures. Ultimately, the Regional Chief Medical Officer secures the clinical integrity of the regional network and supports the mission of the system.

    John Nguyen - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    John Nguyen, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at SSM Health, directs the strategic administrative functions and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing the alignment of business operations with the mission of the system, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that all administrative processes support the delivery of high-quality care. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational projects and improving internal efficiencies. By streamlining administrative workflows, John Nguyen directly impacts the operational capacity of the health system. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) collaborates with other executive leaders to implement policies that enhance staff productivity and resource management. Through the effective oversight of administrative departments, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) drives the long-term sustainability of the organization. This strategic position requires a focus on operational excellence and the values of stewardship. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) secures the administrative foundation necessary for the system to continue its mission of providing healing services.
    John Nguyen

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitals & Physicians Clinics

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SSM Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SSM Health?
    SSM Health is led by Tonya Stacy NLT (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Susan Anderson (Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin) and Laura Walczak (President).
    Who is part of SSM Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of SSM Health includes leaders such as Tonya Stacy NLT (Chief Operating Officer), Susan Anderson (Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin), Laura Walczak (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SSM Health have?
    SSM Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SSM Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SSM Health includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Regional President, Ssm Wisconsin, President, Group President (Southern Illinois), President, St. Mary's Hospital (Mid-Missouri).