SSM Health names new mid-Missouri regional president

The two SSM Hosptials in mid-Missouri now have a new leader in Mike Baumgartner.

The health care company confirmed to ABC 17 News that Baumgartner was given the role in January.

Baumgartner has served as the president of SSM Health St. Francis Hospital in Maryville for the past four years.

The new role comes amid an uncertain future for the hospitals’ ownership, after talks continue about a possible acquisition of SSM’s hospitals in Jefferson City and Mexico by University of Missouri Health Care.

Opponents of the merger have formed a not-for-profit organization to fight it, and many of them are calling on state lawamakers to step in.

“From what I’m hearing this may be the best plan for us,” said Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City. “There’s not anything else that I’ve heard that’s on the table.”

ABC 17 News contacted SSM Health for a comment on the new president’s position and goals for the properties, but employees said Baumgartner was out of town and unavailable Thursday.

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