Leadership
L. Dwayne Blaylock, Interim CEO
Kim Harrell, MHA, BSN, CNOR, R.N. - Chief Nursing Officer
Kim brings a wealth of experience and dedication to patient care and safety. Her journey with Merit Health has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep compassion for patients and staff. Kim focuses on fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and patient-centered care.
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Justin Stroud - Chief Financial Officer
Justin Stroud, chief financial officer, joined the Merit Health River Oaks team from Merit Health Rankin and Merit Health Woman's Hospital, where he served as CFO. In the past, he was CFO of Merit Health Northwest Mississippi in Clarksdale. He is a licensed certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Stroud is an active member of Rotary International, the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the First Baptist Church Jackson Worship Choir.
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David Henry, Chief Operating Officer
David Henry has been with Merit Health since 2021. During his tenure, he has served as chief executive officer at Merit Health Central and Merit Health Madison.
In his 16 years of healthcare experience, David has been involved in opening a new hospital, growing service lines, enhancing patient satisfaction, and recruiting physicians. He has extensive knowledge of healthcare operations, as well as the importance of building strong, positive relationships between the medical staff and the community.
David earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and his Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in health administration degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He is very active in the community where he serves on several boards. He and his wife Mackenzie reside in the city of Madison and have twin teenage daughters, Helen and Charlotte.