Leadership
Sam Dean - Chief Executive Officer
Sam Dean joined Merit Health River Oaks in August 2021. Prior to becoming the CEO at Merit Health River Oaks, Sam served as hospital administrator for USA Health University Hospital in Mobile, AL.
Throughout his 16 years in healthcare leadership, Sam has recruited physicians and gained extensive knowledge and understanding of physician practices, hospital operations and ancillary services.
Sam earned his bachelor’s degree in bio-medical science from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and his Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in health administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama.
Jonathan Koonce - Chief Operating Officer
Jonathan Koonce joined Merit Health River Oaks in December 2021. He is responsible for supporting the overall strategic operations of the hospital including oversight of multiple ancillary departments and physician recruitment.
Prior to becoming the COO at Merit Health River Oaks, Jonathan served as hospital administrator for Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, PA.
Koonce earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Harding University in Searcy, AR, and his master's in healthcare administration from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR.
Kim Harrell, MHA, BSN, CNOR, R.N. - Interim Chief Nursing Officer
Kim most recently served as the chief quality officer for the Jackson Market. With over 24 years of healthcare leadership, Kim's focus is to build on the firm foundation of compassionate, safe care that Merit Health Woman's Hospital is known for.
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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.