David Whitaker accepting the installation as OHA board chairman.

Mercy leaders in both Oklahoma and Missouri were installed last week as board chair for their respective state’s hospital association.
David Whitaker, chief administrative officer of Mercy in Oklahoma, was installed as Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) Board of Directors Chair at the 98th Annual Convention. Whitaker’s two-year term begins January 1.
Jeff Johnston, president of Mercy’s eastern Missouri region, was sworn in as Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) Board of Trustees Chair during the 95th Annual Convention banquet. His one-year term begins January 1.
In addition to responsibilities at the state level, Whitaker and Johnston will lead the Oklahoma and Missouri delegations to Washington, D.C., twice during the year, and will act as national spokespersons for hospitals in their home states.
“Mercy is working to make care better for our patients,” said Donn Sorensen, Mercy executive vice president. “When our leaders take on state-wide roles within the hospital associations it gives us a seat at the table when policies are being set. The same skills that make them excellent leaders within Mercy will serve them well as they work to improve care for patients across the states they represent.”