Valley Health Announces Mark Nantz as New President and CEO

Transition Set for June 1, 2020

Joseph F. Silek, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Valley Health System, announced today that Mark Nantz has been selected to serve as Valley Health System’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. He shall succeed the retiring President and CEO, Mark H. Merrill, who has served in this capacity for 11 years.

Nantz was chosen by the Valley Health Board of Trustees following a nationwide search and an extensive selection process which included input from community and physician leaders, executive stakeholders and a Board‐appointed search committee. He will begin serving in this new role starting on Monday, June 1st.

Nantz is an accomplished and visionary healthcare executive, and brings to Valley Health extensive experience in the healthcare industry, having served in executive roles for more than three decades. In selecting him, the Board of Trustees particularly noted his accomplishments, which include building advanced clinical programs, successful physician and community partnerships, and a dynamic track record of instituting organizational effectiveness and strategic business plans at the local, regional, and system levels for large healthcare organizations.

Prior to joining Valley Health, Nantz served in executive roles with Bon Secours Mercy Health including most recently as Chief Administrative Officer and Atlantic Group President—overseeing 14 hospitals and related in‐market services in South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Florida. He has a relentless focus on stakeholder engagement and track record of improving patient satisfaction, quality metrics, and physician and employee engagement in all of his previous roles and facilities. Additionally, as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Bon Secours Health System prior to its merger with Mercy Health in 2018, he led efforts, which included acquisitions, regional partnerships and the development and successful implementation of plans addressing operations, quality, and financially struggling markets, as well as the creation of a highly successful Accountable Care Organization.

“Mark’s extensive knowledge and demonstrated commitment to the advancement of strategic initiatives validates his understanding of regional health networks and that of a collaborative environment,” said Joe Silek. “His experience in the pursuit of excellence in the areas of quality, safety, patient satisfaction, and engagement with employee and physician stakeholders will be beneficial to Valley Health. Although Mark joins us at a challenging time, we know he will transition nimbly and be an effective leader.”

Prior to his work with Bon Secours Mercy Health, Nantz served in executive roles with Carolinas Healthcare System (now Atrium Health) and Carolinas Medical Center ‐ NorthEast, with progressive responsibilities including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and President during his nearly two decades‐long tenure. His experience also includes leadership roles in the audit practice of a Big 5 accounting firm. "Valley Health is well regarded for its clinical excellence and quality,” stated Nantz. “I feel honored to have been selected by the Board of Trustees and look forward to leading the organization to its next level of success."

Nantz holds a Master’s in Health Administration from Pfieffer University, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina ‐ Charlotte. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has been named a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. An engaged community leader, Nantz volunteers in numerous non‐profit and civic leadership capacities, including roles with Chambers of Commerce, the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes, and organizations supporting the fine arts. His and his wife, Courtenay, will reside in Winchester, Virginia and have three grown children. Together, they enjoy sports, the outdoors, and giving back to their community. In his spare time, you will find Nantz on the golf course, ski slopes and enjoying local art and music events.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Valley Health System, we welcome Mark to our team and look forward to his leadership!