Lima Leadership

Ronda Lehman joined Mercy Health in 1995, and currently serves as president of the Lima Market.

Lehman began her career in the pharmacy department of St. Rita’s, serving as director of pharmacy from 2001-2010 before transitioning to an administrative director, then executive director role with ever-expanding responsibilities. In 2010, Lehman joined the administrative team as vice president of hospital operations overseeing radiology, pharmacy, laboratory, social work, care coordination, one-call transfer, utilization review and behavioral health. Throughout these roles, Lehman had many opportunities to work with the medical staff and enjoyed the challenge bridging these relationships in the organization. In 2013, Lehman transitioned to the physician practice and ambulatory side of healthcare, as chief operating officer at St. Rita’s Professional Services. In July 2017, the role expanded to include the CNIO duties. Lehman was named president of Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center in 2019 and in September 2019, she was named president of the Lima Market.

Lehman received her Bachelor of Science from Ohio Northern University (ONU) and a Doctor of Pharmacy from The Ohio State University. She then went on to complete her MBA at Tiffin University. She also completed the Executive Management Program for Pharmacy Leaders at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a 2006 graduate of the CHP Leadership Academy. In 2014, Lehman obtained her fellow status with the American College of Healthcare Executives. She is also an adjunct faculty member at ONU.

Born and raised in this area, Lehman has a deep commitment to the Lima community and serves in many capacities. She is currently on the YMCA Board of Directors. She has volunteered for the Literacy Council and Our Daily Bread and is very active in the 4-H program and her church. She strives to bring an attitude of service at all times into her work and personal life.

Cory has served in a variety of roles during her nursing career – all of which have been served at St. Rita’s. She began as a staff nurse in 2001 with extensive bedside nursing experience in ICU, ICU stepdown, CVICU, Telemetry, and IV therapy. She proceeded to obtain positions as a Clinical Shift Supervisor, Clinical Nurse Manager, Director of Patient Services, Senior Nursing Administrator and her current CNO role which she began in 2017.

Cory earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Wright State University where she graduated Suma Cum Laude and was awarded the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing.  She went on to obtain her Masters of Science in Nursing from Chamberlin College of Nursing in 2016.

Cory’s focus is on delivering high quality patient outcomes through leading and motivating nursing professionals to achieving the highest levels of professional evidence-based practice. Under her leadership, Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima achieved Magnet® recognition.

Dr. Owens provides physician executive leadership for regional clinical enterprises. Partnering with the other members of the senior leadership team at Mercy Health- Lima, he provides direction and oversight towards the overall mission, strategy, and delivery of quality health care services for the West Central Ohio region. Specific areas of responsibility include Medical Staff services, Medical Education programs, Mercy Health Physicians- Lima, and hospital quality.

Prior to this current role, Dr. Owens served as Chief Medical Officer of Mercy Health Physicians – Lima and the clinically integrated network in Lima since 2017. He initially joined the medical staff of Mercy Health- St. Rita’s in 2009 upon completion of his medical training. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Owens grew up in the greater West Central Ohio region and is pleased to be serving the area as part of the Bon Secours Mercy Health ministry. Prior to working in the area, he received his bachelor’s degree at Miami University. He then obtained his medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio (now University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences). He subsequently completed residency training in his specialty at The Ohio State University. He resides in Lima with his wife and two children.

Dr. Owens strongly believes in the mission of extending the compassionate ministry of Jesus through the provision of healthcare services across West Central Ohio. He is passionate about recruitment and retention of talented clinicians, provider engagement, patient experience, and creating access to healthcare that best serves our communities.