Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) Chief Operating Officer Don Kline will retire at the end of 2025, concluding a distinguished 30-year career in health care operations, finance and leadership, including 17 years of dedicated service to BSMH.
“Don has been a steady, mission-driven leader whose compassion, integrity and business acumen have left an indelible mark on our ministry,” said John Starcher, CEO, Bon Secours Mercy Health. “He leads with both head and heart—bringing clarity, calm and confidence to even the most complex challenges. Don has been a trusted advisor, thoughtful mentor and tireless advocate for our patients, associates and communities. His leadership guided us through extraordinary moments, including the global pandemic, and his legacy of service, humility and unwavering commitment to our Mission will continue to shape and inspire our work for years to come.”
Kline became chief operating officer in 2022, spearheading operations across all BSMH domestic markets. He first joined Mercy Health in 2007, and in his first year, forged a partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital that continues to grow pediatric services across Ohio’s Mahoning Valley today. He also served several years as system chief financial officer for markets, and in 2015 became the president of the Youngstown, Ohio market.
Kline later provided strategic leadership for BSMH markets across Ohio, South Carolina and New York (joint venture). During the global pandemic, his steady leadership helped system and market teams care for our associates and communities through a time of great uncertainty. Throughout his tenure, Kline consistently advanced operational excellence and clinical performance across BSMH’s multi-state footprint.
Kline’s operational leadership has played a key role in enhancing patient experience and improving systemwide efficiency. In 2023, he was named one of the nation’s “Hospital and Health System COOs to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review, a recognition of his deep industry expertise and commitment to outcomes-driven health care.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve a ministry so deeply rooted in compassion and purpose. Throughout my time at Bon Secours Mercy Health, I’ve been inspired by our mission to bring good help to those in need—especially the most vulnerable among us. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together to improve the health and well-being of our communities, and I leave with immense gratitude for the people who live out this sacred work every day,” said Don Kline, chief operating officer, Bon Secours Mercy Health.
Before joining BSMH, Kline held CFO roles with Heritage Valley Health System and Trinity Health System. Kline earned his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Duquesne University. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
In advance of Kline’s planned retirement, Dr. Wael Haidar was appointed president, clinical operations. Dr. Haidar now oversees all clinical and operational functions across BSMH’s domestic markets. Kline will continue to provide executive oversight for key areas of the ministry, including Bon Secours – Ireland, ambulatory services, urgent care, occupational health and strategic partnerships through 2025.
As BSMH prepares for this next chapter, the health care ministry expresses deep gratitude to Kline for his unwavering service and leadership.