Poplar Bluff native named Mercy Southeast chief operating officer

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – Mercy Southeast has named Southeast Missouri native Tyler Hillis as its new chief operating officer.

Hillis, a Poplar Bluff native, returns to the region and to Mercy after most recently serving as chief operating officer of Baldwin Health in Foley, Alabama.

At Baldwin Health, Hillis oversaw support and ancillary services, as well as a network of physician clinics and outpatient practices spanning 23 sites of care throughout Baldwin County.

Hillis previously served as chief operating officer at Mercy Ardmore in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and executive director of operations and strategic initiatives at Mercy Jefferson in Crystal City. He began his career with Mercy as an administrative fellow at Mercy Hospital St. Louis more than 13 years ago.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Southeast Missouri where I grew up,” Hillis said. “It will be great to be closer to family and reconnect with old friends.”

Hillis said he looks forward to building on Mercy Southeast’s quality outcomes and patient experience standards.

“Tyler’s leadership and passion tied with his history with Mercy make him the right fit for our team,” said Mandy Shelast, president of Mercy Southeast Communities. “Having grown up in Southeast Missouri, he cares deeply about our region and our mission, and that energy will help Mercy Southeast continue to grow and bring high-quality, lower-cost care to more patients.”

Hillis earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Missouri.

He and his wife, Hope, have three sons and a goldendoodle. Hillis enjoys golf, hunting, traveling and spending time outdoors.