Keeler Begins Tenure as President of Mercy - Des Moines
Karl Keeler, who previously held several leadership positions at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, comes to Des Moines from Nampa, Idaho, where he has served as president of Saint Alphonsus Medical Center for the past seven years. He is an accomplished leader who understands the many challenges facing health care organizations on a state and national level, and has a good track record of improving overall performance in health care organizations. Karl’s role as Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines president, which was previously held by Mercy Health Network CEO Bob Ritz, includes executive leadership and oversight of Mercy’s four not-for-profit Catholic hospital campuses and 20 additional facilities that house more than 50 primary care, pediatric, internal medicine and specialty clinics.
In announcing his hiring back in November 2017, the boards of directors at Mercy Health Network and Mercy – Des Moines stressed they are confident in Karl’s ability to successfully lead the organization well into the future, and look forward to benefitting from his 24-plus years of health care experience.
“Wherever he has served, a constant for Karl is valuing a strong working relationship with medical providers, staff and the community,” said Bob Ritz, CEO of Mercy Health Network. “Initially, Karl will devote his energies to deepening his knowledge of Mercy, its physicians and staff – all of which will be important in his work to strengthen Mercy’s role in improving the health and well-being of the people and communities we are privileged to serve.”
About Mercy Medical Center
Mercy operates four not-for-profit, Catholic hospital campuses, with a total of 875 beds, along with more than 20 additional facilities that house more than 50 primary care, pediatric, internal medicine and specialty clinics. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and is also one of the largest employers in the state — with more than 7,000 employees and a medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians and allied health associates. Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines operates as a local health system within Mercy Health Network and is a part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national nonprofit health system based in Englewood, Colo. The faith-based system operates in 17 states and includes 100 hospitals, as well as long-term care, assisted- and residential living communities; community health services organizations; home health agencies and outpatient facilities and services.