New Chief Operating Officer of Mercy Medical Center - West Lakes Named

DES MOINES, Iowa­ — Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines is pleased to announce the appointment of J. Phil Harrop, as chief operations officer (COO) for Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes and vice president at Mercy – Des Moines, effective July 29.

The COO position at Mercy – West Lakes is newly-created. Harrop will focus on operations and lead the development and delivery of short and long-range plans addressing quality, patient satisfaction, and growing overall inpatient and outpatient services at the West Des Moines campus.

“Phil’s proven leadership experience and personal values make him a wonderful asset to Mercy,” said Mercy President Karl Keeler. “The Mercy Board of Directors and I believe Phil will position Mercy – West Lakes for continued success and improved access to care well into the future.”

Since 2012, Harrop has served in various leadership roles within the Saint Alphonsus Health System, a Trinity Health organization. Currently, he is president and chief executive officer of Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City, Ore., and executive director and COO for Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Nampa, Idaho.

Phil received his PhD, MS, MBA and MHA degrees from The Ohio State University and his BS in business management — finance from Brigham Young University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), immediate past Regent for FACHE in Idaho, and director of the Idaho Healthcare Executive Forum Board. 

About Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines

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 is a member of Mercy Health Network and is a part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national nonprofit health organization with headquarters in Englewood, Colo.  The faith-based system operates in 18 states and includes 99 hospitals and multiple other facilities and services.