Dignity Health - Mercy Medical Center Merced Announces Dale Johns as New President & CEO

Dignity Health has announced Dale Johns, FACHE, as the new incoming Hospital President and CEO of Mercy Medical Center in Merced effective September 26, 2022. Dale will be relocating with his family to Central California after decades of extensive hospital leadership experience in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Utah.

“I am honored to join a remarkable organization and look forward to working closely with our staff, physicians, and board members to successfully meet the needs of the Merced community,” shared Dale Johns, Hospital President. “I am excited to help advance the work of the Mercy Medical Center team."

In his most recent role, Dale served as Chief Executive Officer for Wilkes Barre General Hospital in Pennsylvania, a 412-bed acute care community hospital, including oversight of a 149-bed freestanding behavioral health facility, and an employed physician group of 200 providers across 70 community clinics. He not only led the hospital throughout the COVID pandemic, but he also improved quality scores, achieved The Joint Commission 3-year accreditation, redirected and recruited providers, resulting in increased volume and revenue. Prior to his tenure with Wilkes Barre, he served as CEO of Salt Lake Regional Medical Center in Utah, and CEO of Town and Country Hospital in Florida.

“After concluding a nationwide search, Dale’s sense of prioritizing the needs of the community, coupled with more than 30 years of health care leadership experience, made him the top choice for president,” noted Julie Sprengel, President and CEO, Dignity Health Southern California Division. “His ability to motivate others while providing clear direction for the future will be instrumental in guiding the team forward as we continue to navigate changes in health care.”

Dale holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from Weber State University, Utah. He is a Fellow American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). Additionally, Dale is a Veteran of Desert Shield/Storm having served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years.

Dale continues his servant leadership outside of his daily work through volunteer opportunities, including as a board member for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a Governor-appointed member of the Utah Department of Health’s Health Facility Committee, a Church youth group leader, and a coach for multiple youth teams.