Two Mercy Health leaders have once again been selected for this year’s Becker's Hospital Review rural hospital and health system CEOs to know list.
Sonya Selhorst, president, Mercy Health – Defiance Hospital and Andrew Morgan, president, Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital and Mercy Health – Willard Hospital were both among the 110 executives nationwide named to the list.
This recognition which honors executives who juggle a wide range of tasks and are deeply invested in the wellbeing of their communities. These individuals were recognized for their leadership and contributions that are essential to the successes of area rural hospitals.
“Mercy Health is fortunate to have two exceptional leaders who bring deep healthcare expertise and a passion for community to everything they do,” said Bob Baxter, president, Mercy Health – Toledo. “Sonya and Andrew have played key roles in expanding Mercy Health’s reach in rural communities and creating team cultures that prioritize collaboration, compassion and excellence. Their recognition on this national list is a well-earned reflection of their leadership and impact.”
In a statement regarding the list, Becker’s noted that “rural hospitals and health systems are lifelines for communities that might otherwise go without essential healthcare services.” The national health care publication further noted that the individuals highlighted on the 2025 list” are responsible for expanding service lines, recruiting top-tier caregivers, and enhancing care environments through renovations and new construction.”
Sonya serves as hospital president and chief nursing officer of the Mercy Health – Defiance campus. She has worked with the Mercy Health system for more than three decades, serving in a leadership role at Mercy Health – Defiance campus since 2012. Under Sonya’s strong leadership, Mercy Health – Defiance has received numerous accolades and recognitions over the years and has forged strong relationships with community partners to extend wellness efforts throughout the region. She is charged with optimizing the utilization and availability of resources – including people, capital, and knowledge – to achieve the objectives of the organization while fostering a culture of trust, high reliability, safety and quality.
Andrew joined Mercy Health in 2020 and served as the chief financial officer for the Willard, Tiffin and Defiance hospitals as well as Mercy Health Life Flight Network, the health system’s air and ground transportation service. In the Fall of 2023, he was named president of the east rural market, which includes Mercy Health – Tiffin and Mercy Health – Willard Hospitals. In the time since assuming the role of president, Andrew has successfully achieved several significant accomplishments including the investment of $3.1 million to expand OB space and services at Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital.
““Growing up in a rural community, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the people and places that define the Defiance region,” Sonya said. “Leading a rural healthcare campus has given me the opportunity to give back in meaningful ways, and I’m truly grateful for that. Receiving this recognition is an incredible honor and a reminder of the vital work being done in rural communities across the country.”
“Rural hospitals are the heartbeat of their communities—providing essential care, supporting local economies, and strengthening the overall well-being of the region,” Andrew said. “I’m incredibly proud to lead the dedicated teams in Tiffin and Willard who deliver outstanding care every single day. Being recognized among such an inspiring group of rural hospital CEOs is truly an honor.”
Rural hospitals and health systems bring healthcare services to remote areas that might otherwise lack access. The CEOs featured on this list are expanding service lines, hiring talented caregivers, improving facilities through renovations and new construction, and much more.
The Becker's Hospital Review team completed editorial research and accepted nominations to curate the list. The full list highlights individual profiles of all featured CEOs.