Don Kline, Group President

Don Kline

Chief Operating Officer

Leading with Purpose: Meet Don

Don Kline is the chief operating officer (COO) of Bon Secours Mercy Health. Since 2022, he has been responsible for operational leadership across all Bon Secours Mercy Health U.S. markets, ensuring effective and efficient operations that result in high-quality, compassionate care for all patients and communities. 

In that role, Don spearheaded operations across all Bon Secours Mercy Health domestic markets — prioritizing the delivery of excellent care to patients. His dedication to enhancing health care delivery is evident through initiatives to improve the patient experience, lower patient costs and boost operational efficiency.   

Effective April 1, Don transitioned out of the leadership role across the U.S. markets and focus on leadership for Advantus Health Partners (supply chain), Nordic (global health and technology consulting), Ambulatory Ventures (Ambulatory Surgery Joint Ventures, Urgent Care and Occupational Health) and Bon Secours Health System in Ireland. 

A member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Don has more than 30 years of experience in hospital management, finance and operations leadership roles. He joined Mercy Health in 2007, where his leadership enhanced system and market integration. He served as interim chief operating officer for the Cincinnati Region, co-chairing the operations advisory committee and contributing as a member of the Lead the Ministry operations committee.  

Before being named COO of Bon Secours Mercy Health, Don served as a ministry group president, providing strategic leadership for Bon Secours Mercy Health markets across Ohio, South Carolina and New York (joint venture). He also served as the market president of Mercy Health — Youngstown. 

Vision & Passion 

When I joined the ministry in 2007, it was based on the opportunity to work in a faith-based organization with a clearly articulated mission and values. Each year since has reinforced that it was the right decision, and that the organization continues to live its Mission and Values. 

LinkedIn Profile 

Education & Training 

  • Master of Business Administration — University of Pittsburgh 
  • Bachelor of Business Administration — Duquesne University  

Career Achievements 

  • Oversaw joint venture partnership agreement between Bon Secours Mercy Health and Compassus to expand hospice and home health care 
  • Secured strategic partnership with Compass Surgical Partners to expand Bon Secours Mercy Health outpatient surgical care 
  • Named to the 2023 and 2024 “Hospital and Health System COOs to Know” lists, curated by Becker’s Hospital Review 
  • Elected as Trustee-at-Large for the Ohio Hospital Association Board of Trustees  
  • Served as chief financial officer with Pennsylvania-based Heritage Valley Health System and Ohio-based Trinity Health System