Mary Rutan Health President and CEO Chad Ross presented Wednesday morning at the Logan County Chamber of Commerce Business Impact Meeting, offering a deep dive into the organization’s history, mission, leadership, community investment, and future plans.
Mary Rutan Health is the primary healthcare system serving the community and has provided care for more than 100 years.
Ross joined the organization in 2013.
He explained that Mary Rutan originally operated as a city-run hospital before being privatized just over 50 years ago, a move that allowed it to continue operating with a strong, locally focused mission.
Ross emphasized the organization’s mission to provide progressive, quality healthcare with a personal touch.
A major focus of Ross’s presentation was Mary Rutan Health’s ongoing commitment to the community.
Every three years, the organization collaborates with community partners to collect data and conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment.
That process helps identify the specific health needs of people and neighborhoods throughout the area, guiding where and how resources are allocated to reduce health disparities and promote healthier living.
Ross talks about the mission statement of the hospital and the community investment:
In the most recent reporting year, Mary Rutan Health reinvested more than $23.7 million back into the community.
That investment included more than $62,000 toward community building, over $247,000 for health professions education, approximately $357,000 in financial and in-kind contributions, about $1.1 million for community health improvement services and community benefit operations, and more than $21.8 million in charity care and Medicare and/or Medicaid shortfalls.
Ross also highlighted the leadership team guiding Mary Rutan Health for 2025–2026.
Officers include Rick Gildow, chair; Scott Abraham, vice chair; Tom Denbow, treasurer and chief financial officer; Sarah Leichty, secretary; Christy Myers, chief operating officer; Mary Sebring, vice president of patient services; Sally Armstrong, vice president of human resources; David Kelly, chief of ambulatory clinics and vice president of revenue cycle; Laura Miller, vice president of marketing and communications; Tammy Gump, vice president of community relations; and Dr. Gregg Fulmer, chief medical officer.
Members of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors include Scott Abraham, Doug Chamberlain, Paige Duff, Rick Gildow, Rick Hatcher, Joan Haushalter, Jeff Holycross, Kelly Kauffman, Joeneé Purcell, Scott Shellhaas, Tom Simon, Dr. Grant Varian, Ben Vollrath, and David Willoby.
Ross also noted that Mary Rutan Health is part of The Ohio State Health Network, which allows hospitals to combine purchasing power, share resources, collaborate through clinical affiliations, and strengthen community impact.
Despite that partnership, Mary Rutan remains an independent hospital and is one of only about 20 independent hospitals in the state of Ohio.
Near the conclusion of the presentation, Ross addressed the “elephant in the room,” responding to rumors circulating in the community regarding billing practices by the non-profit hospital.
Find facts about the organization’s billing practices HERE.
Looking ahead, Ross shared plans for a major renovation scheduled for the summer of 2026.
The hospital’s ground floor will be reconfigured and renovated as part of a $10 million investment aimed at improving patient experience and operational efficiency.
Ross then opened the floor for questions from attendees, including additional discussion related to billing and patient services.
