Kentucky Leadership

Michael Yungmann, FACHE
Market President, Paducah & Irvine, KY 
Senior Vice President, Mercy Health

Michael Yungmann joined Mercy Health in 2017 as the president and CEO of Mercy Health - Kentucky and senior vice president of Mercy Health.

Prior to joining Mercy Health, Yungmann served as hospital president with BayCare Health System in Clearwater, Fla., for three years. While with BayCare Health System, he focused on physician relationships, market development, service line growth and patient and employee satisfaction. In a previous position as CEO of Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va., the hospital achieved HealthGrades 5-Star Ratings for Orthopaedic Services, GYN Surgery and Treatment of Heart Failure. He has healthcare leadership experience at hospitals in Florida, Virginia and Missouri, serving in various roles including CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Associate Administrator. He began his healthcare career as a physical therapist and has been director of Rehabilitation and other clinical services.

Yungmann holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and a bachelor’s of Health Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Nicholas O'Dell, MD
Chief Clinical Officer, Mercy Health – Kentucky

Dr. O’Dell earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the same university. O’Dell is board certified in internal medicine, and Mercy Health said he is pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Murray State University.

Dr. O'Dell  is also a veteran who attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Kentucky Army National Guard. Mercy Health said he served as a field surgeon with the 30th Medical Brigade in support of NATO’s Operation Atlantic Resolve — a military operation that followed the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine — and with a U.S. State Department outreach mission in Djibouti, Africa, to help improve the quality of care there.

Before joining Mercy Health, Dr. O’Dell oversaw and coordinated Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s mass casualty response to an EF-4 tornado during his tenure as its CMO. He also worked with MCCH’s chief nursing officer to develop and implement a phased response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the establishment of “the first mass testing center in western Kentucky.”

Dr. O'Dell has oversight for Mercy Health’s Kentucky region, which includes Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky. and Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital in Irvine, Ky.

Travis Drake, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer, Mercy Health - Kentucky

Travis Drake is an accomplished nursing leader with over 20 years of experience in both clinical and leadership healthcare roles. He brings expertise in inpatient care, emergency services, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, Travis has held key positions, including Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, and Director of Cardiovascular Services, where he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, team development, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.

With extensive experience across various healthcare institutions, Travis has played a pivotal role in transforming clinical services, leading multidisciplinary teams, and fostering a culture of excellence and patient safety. In recognition of his mentorship, Travis was awarded "Mentor of the Year" at Mercy Health Lourdes in 2013, a testament to his dedication to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Travis earned his Bachelor of Nursing from Murray State University and later completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Kentucky. He also holds Advanced Nurse Executive certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).