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JOPLIN, Mo. - Mercy names Jeff Carrier, who has deep roots in Joplin, as president of Mercy Joplin Communities, effective May 4.
“Joplin is a dynamic and important community to Mercy,” said David Argueta, Mercy senior vice president and president of community operations. “It’s Jeff’s dream to return to Joplin where he brings decades of clinical experience, strong operational discipline and a collaborative leadership style that aligns well with Mercy’s mission and our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Carrier has more than two decades of health care leadership experience, most recently serving as a region president of Baptist Health. His career includes senior executive, chief clinical officer and market president roles, supported by an extensive clinical background as a nurse and health care leader.
In addition to his executive experience, Carrier has a strong understanding of the Joplin market where he served for more than a decade at Freeman Health System in chief clinical and nursing leadership roles.
“Joplin is home for me. Despite serving in other parts of the Midwest, my wife and I have raised our children here. This community is dear to me and my family,” said Carrier, FACHE. “Mercy has built something special in Joplin and across southwest Missouri. I’m inspired by Mercy’s long-term commitment to Joplin, as well as Mercy’s stellar record of innovation, compassionate quality care and service to the community. I am excited to be a part of what comes next.”
Carrier has a bachelor’s from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, and a master’s in management from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. Carrier succeeds Jeremy Drinkwitz, who departs after more than a decade of service at Mercy.
Christine Glauber, a retired Arvest banker in Joplin and chair of the Mercy Hospital Joplin board, said she has confidence in Carrier. She cited Carrier’s leadership following the Joplin EF5 tornado, when – then serving as Freeman’s chief clinical officer and chief nursing officer for Freeman – Carrier led crisis management and incident command during the critical early days of the disaster.
“Joplin is a very special community, and Jeff brings a lifetime of local understanding to this leadership role – he is dedicated to serving the community that shaped him,” said Glauber. “He is fulfilling a dream by returning to Joplin and is ready to lead with a perspective that is authentic, experienced and deeply personal. Mercy and our community are thrilled with Jeff’s return to Joplin.”
As community president, Carrier will also lead Mercy’s footprint in Galena, Pittsburg and Columbus, Kansas, as well as Carthage, Missouri.
