Mercy Health-Youngstown Names Luellen as CEO

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mercy Health-Youngstown today announced Dr. John Luellen as the newest CEO for the more than century-old health-care system.

He is also the first physician to lead the system in its history, having started his career as an emergency medicine physician.

Luellen joined Mercy Health-Youngstown in September as chief operating officer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology from Westminster College, a medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to joining Mercy, he most recently served as the vice president and chief operating officer at Heritage Valley Health System in Pennsylvania, where he held several medical and clinical leaderships roles.

“I’m here because of the mission,” Luellen said. “Aligning my personal values and passion for extending healing to patients with an organization such as Mercy Health is something for which I am grateful.”

Luellen succeeds Donald Kline, who was appointed to lead four of Mercy Health’s seven markets. Although Kline will remain in the Mahoning Valley physically, his responsibilities will span across Ohio as he leads hospitals in Youngstown, Lorain, Toledo and Lima.

“Dr. Luellen has quickly taken an active role in building upon our region’s history of high-quality care,” Kline said. “His experience as a clinician and focus on quality will continue to influence our patients and their families, ultimately furthering our vision of a healthier Mahoning Valley.”