Mercy Health Youngstown has recently announced Dr. John Luellen as the newest Chief Executive Officer for the more than 100-year-old Valley organization.

Dr. Luellen joined the ministry in September of 2018 as Chief Operating Officer for Youngstown.

According to a news release, this adds to his more than 20-year career in health care, which began as an emergency medicine physician.

"I'm here because of the mission. Aligning my personal values and passion for extending healing to patients with an organization such as Mercy Health, is something for which I am grateful," Dr. John Luellen, CEO of Mercy Health Youngstown said in a news release.

This new appointment comes after current Chief Executive Officer, Donald Kline, was appointed to lead four of Mercy Health's seven markets. Although Kline will remain in the Valley physically, his responsibilities will span across Northern Ohio as he leads hospitals in Youngstown, Lorain, Toledo, and Lima.

"Dr. Luellen has quickly taken an active role in building upon our region's history of high-quality care. His experience as a clinician and focus on quality will continue to influence our patients and their families, ultimately furthering our vision of a healthier Mahoning Valley," said Kline.

Dr. Luellen earned his Bachelor of Science in molecular biology from Westminster College, his
medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine as well as a Master in
Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University. 

He most recently served as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Valley Health System in Pennsylvania, where he also held several medical and clinical leadership roles.