Michael Calhoun has worked at Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) since he was 18 years old. Today, he serves as CEO of CMH and Executive Director of the CMH Foundation, overseeing the entire health system. He is leading the team through a $100 million expansion that includes a new, state-of-the-art facility to house all inpatient services. “I’m excited to be able to bring that vision to reality,” Calhoun says. “[The facility] allows us to have a home that is more reflective of the care that CMH provides.”

Calhoun is an advocate for rural health care. He is a member of the Missouri Association of Rural Health Clinics, where he previously served as president, and was on the board of the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. “Michael wants patients in Missouri to have access to health care and works to help ensure that is possible,” said Tamera Heitz-Peek director of marketing in her nomination. With that in mind, he proudly partners with CoxHealth and Mercy to provide the top level of care to patients. In the next 10 years, Calhoun sees expansion in long-term care and skilled nursing, leveraging technology to extend the reach of the workforce and stronger pipelines to encourage more young people to choose health care careers. 

What is your favorite podcast recommendation?
“I check out the news every day on a podcast called The World and Everything In It.”

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“A baseball player, but once those aspirations weren’t there, I wanted to be a doctor or pharmacist.”

Which 417-lander do you turn to for inspiration and advice?
“There are a lot. Our previous CEO, Don Babb, has been a real help to me, and also Gary Fulbright. I have also found a lot of joy in getting to work with Max Buetow at CoxHealth on health care initiatives.”