Davison Named President and Chief Executive Officer

The Saint Francis Healthcare System Board of Directors is pleased to name Justin Davison as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

“I am pleased to support Justin Davison as President and CEO of Saint Francis,” said the Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese. “His extensive experience in Catholic healthcare, as well as his many talents, will be a great asset in continuing into the future the healing ministry of Jesus. In the spirit of the Franciscan Sisters who founded the hospital, he will continue to shape the vision of Saint Francis as the leading Catholic healthcare system in southeast Missouri, safeguarding the sanctity and dignity of human life. I look forward to the Mass of Installation on October 5 at St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.”

Davison joined Saint Francis Healthcare System in November 2019 as Chief Financial Officer. In February 2022, Davison transited to the role of Interim President and Chief Financial Officer.

“The Board looks forward to working with Justin as our President and CEO. He has done an outstanding job as the Chief Financial Officer. We strongly believe he is the right person to guide and move us forward,” said Steven K. Dirnberger, Board Chair for the Saint Francis Healthcare System Board.

Prior to Saint Francis, Davison served as Vice President of Finance at Mercy Health in Springfield, Missouri. He has more than 18 years in executive leadership experience for a variety of hospitals and healthcare systems.

In his new role, Davison will oversee the strategic direction, development and expansion of Saint Francis. For nearly 150 years, Saint Francis Healthcare System has served southeast Missouri through exceptional, patient-centered care. As the largest healthcare system between Memphis and St. Louis, Saint Francis has evolved in the 21st century from a local community medical center to the regional healthcare leader recognized nationally for quality and safety. What started as hospital-based services has grown to include an expansive network of clinics and providers across our region.

Davison serves on the Missouri Hospital Association Board of Directors and the board of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Bishop Rice will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis and Mass of Installation on Wednesday, October 5, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral. More details to come.