WEST PLAINS, MO – Ozarks Healthcare recently announced Terence F. Farrell, MHA, FACHE, has been appointed as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 9, 2025.
Farrell brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across investor-owned, not-for-profit, stand-alone, and multi-system healthcare organizations. He joins Ozarks Healthcare from Mercy Health in Ada, Oklahoma, where he most recently served as President of a three-hospital regional health system. In that role, he led operational turnarounds, spearheaded financial and quality improvements, and secured more than $34 million in philanthropic and federal support to expand cancer services and enhance rural healthcare facilities. Under his leadership, Mercy Ada achieved a Leapfrog “A” rating, elevated its CMS star rating from 2 to 5 stars, and was recognized as a Leapfrog Top Rural Hospital.
Prior to Mercy Health, Farrell served as Site CEO and System Vice President for Southern Illinois Healthcare, overseeing Herrin Hospital and Miners Memorial Hospital. His leadership drove major improvements in patient experience, physician engagement, labor productivity, and market share growth, while also securing millions in philanthropic funding and grants. He has also held executive roles at Pikeville Regional Medical Center, St. Vincent’s Health Services, and Wuesthoff Health Systems.
“Ozarks Healthcare is thrilled to welcome Terence Farrell as our new CEO,” Melissa Stewart, Ozarks Healthcare Board of Directors Chair, said. “He brings a proven record of elevating quality, strengthening physician and staff engagement, and expanding access to care in rural communities. His strategic vision and collaborative leadership style will help us continue to grow and meet the needs of our patients and region.”
Farrell holds a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of St. Francis, a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Jacksonville University, and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership at Liberty University.
“I am honored to join Ozarks Healthcare and to serve the people of this community,” said Farrell. “Ozarks Healthcare has a strong legacy of care and a deep commitment to its patients. I look forward to working alongside the board, medical staff, and team members to build on that foundation and lead the organization into its next chapter.”
Farrell and his family will be relocating to West Plains, where he looks forward to becoming an active part of the community.
