Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines is looking for a new president after President and CEO David Vellinga announced Tuesday that he plans to step down after 14 years. 

 

Vellinga will continue to lead Mercy Health Network and a new statewide alliance between Mercy and other hospitals, DesMoinesRegister.com reported.  

The 
University of Iowa Health Alliance is a new statewide group consisting of Mercy, the University of Iowa and other hospitals that aims to help improve care and hold down costs.

Vellinga expressed his appreciation to Mercy Medical Center staff earlier this week. 

During Vellinga’s tenure, Mercy built a new hospital in West Des Moines, extensively remodeled its main campus and added several clinics in the metro area. The Register reported that the nonprofit hospital’s tax documents show that Vellinga was paid $1.02 million in 2010, the most recent year reported publicly.

Vellinga’s 14 years of leading Mercy Medical Center compares to the average 5.5 years that hospital CEOs stay in their jobs. 

Vellinga said he plans to help in the nationwide search for his successor, who will have the title of president, but not CEO. 

 

To view a video of Dave Vellinga, click here.