Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center announced three new leadership roles effective Jan. 6. They follow:

Matt Owens, MD, is the Chief Clinical Officer. He served as Chief Medical Officer of Mercy Health Physicians – Lima and the clinically integrated network in Lima since 2017. He initially joined the medical staff of Mercy Health- St. Rita’s in 2009 upon completion of his medical training. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  

Originally from Van Wert, Dr. Owens is serving the area as part of the Bon Secours Mercy Health ministry. Prior to working in the area, he received his bachelor’s degree at Miami University. He then obtained his medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio (now University of Toledo Medical College). He subsequently completed residency training in his specialty at The Ohio State University.

Jill Jacobs of Kalida, is Chief Operating Officer andl has served the past 10 years with Mercy Health Physicians in Lima, most recently as Director of Physician Management. She previously served a surgical nurse at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She then spent five years with Blanchard Valley Health System, including three years as Director of Cardiovascular Services.

In her previous role, she has been for the operational oversight and management of 124 providers, 13 managers, and 20 main campus and outreach locations, maintaining a culture of trust between administration and providers. 

Amber Washington is Vice President of Support Services.

In this new role, she leads and strengthens the performance, quality and efficiency of services at hospital and ambulatory facilities across the market. Support services include departments such as environmental services, facilities management, dietary services, volunteer services, facilities/engineering and gift shops.

Amber joined originally as an administrative fellow and has served the past three-and-a-half years as executive director, ancillary services at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center. 

Shehas provided leadership to several community organizations, such as the Allen County Workforce Policy Board, Lima Allen County Paramedics Board and the Community Investment committee. She served as chair of the Leadership Council for Diversity and Inclusion in Lima.