(5-22-25) Mercer Health proudly congratulates CEO Lisa Klenke on receiving the Ohio Hospital Association’s Donald R. Newkirk Award—a prestigious honor recognizing her exceptional contributions to the health care profession in Ohio. This award was presented at OHA’s Annual Recognition Dinner on May 20 in Columbus.
Klenke’s commitment to advancing healthcare spans more than three decades, shaping both Mercer Health and the broader medical community. Having served20 years as Chief Nursing Officer and12 years as CEO, she has led Mercer Health through transformational expansions, including theWest Wing Expansion at Mercer County Community Hospital, launched in 2018. Under her leadership, Mercer Health introduced innovative services such as mental wellness and healthy weight and wellness programs, expanded healthcare accessibility intoAuglaize County, Maria Stein, and Mendon, and navigated complex challenges, including theCOVID-19 pandemic and theimplementation of the EPIC electronic medical records system.
Klenke has also been instrumental innationally recognized achievements, securing Mercer Health’s status as a TOP 100 rural and community hospital multiple times and earning an America’s Best-in-State Hospitals designation in 2025.
Beyond Mercer Health, Klenke has dedicated her career to advocating for nursing excellence and regulatory advancements, serving16 years on the Ohio Board of Nursing, including a term as president. She has contributed to influential organizations, including theOHA Board of Trustees, the Ohio Organization of Nurse Leaders, the American Organization of Nurse Executives Quality and Patient Safety Committee and Regulatory Monitoring Committee, and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, where she earned theExceptional Leadership Award for her impact on nursing regulation.
Mindy Kremer, Vice President of Development, Marketing and Communications at Mercer Health
“Lisa’s leadership has profoundly shaped healthcare in our community.Her dedication to ensuring quality care and fostering innovation is truly inspiring.”
Mercer Health celebrates Lisa Klenke’s well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her unwavering commitment to advancing rural healthcare.
For more information on the Ohio Hospital Association’s Annual Leadership Award recipients, visithttps://www.ohiohospitals.org/hospital-newswire/oha-announces-annual-leadership-award-recipients
Mercer County Outlook 