Robert Baxter, MBA, MHA

Robert Baxter, MBA, MHA

Leading with Purpose: Meet Bob  

Robert (Bob) Baxter is president of Mercy Health — Toledo. He leads strategy and operations for seven hospitals, one college, and more than 100 care facilities across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Under his leadership, the Toledo market employs more than 8,000 staff and 450 providers. The health system experiences more than 49,000 admissions and observation patients annually and generates over $1.5 billion in net operating revenue. 

With a career spanning hospital administration and operational leadership, Bob has built a reputation for driving quality, operational excellence and employee engagement. Since joining Mercy Health in 2010, he has led growth initiatives, expanded access to care and strengthened physician collaboration. Before taking on his current role, Bob served as senior vice president of Mercy Health and president, Lima Market. In this role, he oversaw two hospitals, four physician joint ventures and a wholly owned physician enterprise.  

Earlier in his career, he was chief operating officer at Rapid City Regional Hospital in South Dakota. There, he guided hospital operations and service line expansion. 

Bob’s leadership philosophy centers on building high-performing teams, fostering a culture of trust and aligning strategy with patient-centered care. He is deeply committed to creating an environment where health care professionals feel empowered to deliver the best possible care while ensuring communities have access to the highest-quality medical services. 

Vision & Passion 

“What inspires me about working for Mercy Health is not only the ability to have a meaningful impact on people’s lives but also the ability to provide support for the caring, compassionate professionals who sacrifice themselves to help others on a daily basis. The constant collaboration with individuals who share this passion is hugely rewarding.” 

LinkedIn Profile  

Education & Training  

  • Master of Arts in Hospital and Health Administration — University of Iowa 
  • Master of Business Administration — University of Iowa Tippie College of Business 
  • Bachelor of Science — University of South Dakota 

Career Achievements 

  • Leads operations for seven hospitals, one college, and 100+ care sites across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan 
  • Former senior vice president of Mercy Health and president, Lima Market 
  • Former chief operating officer at Rapid City Regional Hospital (now Monument Health Rapid City Hospital) 
  • Board member for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, ConnecToledo Downtown Development Corporation, Tiffin University and Kingston HealthCare 
  • Former delegate to the American Hospital Association (AHA) Regional Policy Board 
  • Member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) 
  • Past president of the South Dakota Healthcare Executive Group 
  • Recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives Early Career Healthcare Executives Regent’s Award