Merit Health Natchez announced today that Lance Boyd has been named the new chief executive officer, effective June 18.

Boyd has a broad range of experience in healthcare management
“He has success in physician recruiting, patient experience and Human Resources as Chief Relations Officer for a physician-owned group of 230 providers in Knoxville, Tennessee,” a press announcement states.

Boyd’s most recent experience was as chief operations officer of Tennova Healthcare Turkey Creek Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“Boyd has demonstrated his leadership expertise with the successful completion of construction projects and service expansions focused on positioning the hospital for the future,” the press release states.

Boyd said he is excited about taking on his new role.

“My family and I are looking forward to calling Natchez home,” Boyd said in a press statement. “I am excited to work with and support the employees and medical staff as we continue the momentum of making Merit
Health Natchez a great place for employees to work, physicians to practice and patients to receive compassionate, quality care in a safe and patient-focused environment.”

Steve Dobbs, regional president and CEO of Merit Health System, said the company is confident Boyd’s experience makes him an excellent choice to lead Merit Health Natchez.

“Lance has the leadership, experience, passion for healthcare and energy that we feel are needed to continue to further enhance and grow the hospital,” Dobbs said.

Boyd earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where he also lettered in baseball, the press release states.

Prior to joining the healthcare profession, Lance taught physical science, anatomy and physiology and Bible and served as head coach of the varsity girls basketball team and varsity baseball. He completed his Master of Science in Healthcare Management from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.

“Our hospital and our community will benefit from Lance’s leadership skills, community focus and desire to provide our region with quality, compassionate healthcare,” said Sue Stedman, moderator of the hospital’s Board of Trustees.

Dr. Blane Mire, Chief of Staff for Merit Health Natchez, agrees.

“The medical staff look forward to working with Lance. We appreciate his strong background in physician relations and his commitment to enhancing the patient experience,” Mire said.