WRANGELL – Effective April 12, Leatha Merculieff will assume the position of Wrangell Medical Center’s (WMC) Hospital Administrator. With the departure of Robert Rang, Merculieff will step into the leadership role and provide daily oversight and management at WMC and the construction of the new medical campus. She has been with the SouthEast Alaska Regional Healthcare Consortium (SEARHC) for more than 4 years as the Vice President/Executive Administration.
“We appreciate Robert’s leadership in helping us facilitate the creation of a sustainable health system in Wrangell,” said SEARHC President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Clement. “Leatha is the perfect person to step into the administrator’s position. She has been a key contributor to our growth as an integrated healthcare system and will ensure we stay steady on our course to effectively meet any challenges ahead.”
With nearly 20 years of healthcare experience, Leatha has worked collaboratively with SEARHC executive leadership in managing customer/patient services, community relations, contract health, referrals, patient travel, business development and planning as well as on the implementation and oversight of the overall marketing, public relations and corporate communications strategy. She’s also developed strong relationships with Tribal organizations, consultants, vendors and other resource and healthcare providers. Prior to joining SEARHC, Leatha worked in leadership and executive positions with the Alaska Native Medical Center/Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium focused on the patient/customer experience.
As the WMC Hospital Administrator, Leatha will be responsible for leading and providing day-to-day oversight of WMC, including its financial performance, medical staff relations, quality improvement, planning, staffing and compliance. Leatha also will be responsible for leading the construction efforts for WMC’s new medical campus.
“I am excited about working with the Wrangell community and building the new campus,” commented Merculieff. “I believe my background will serve me well in collaborating with multiple stakeholders to ensure we continue to positively impact Wrangell’s healthcare services.”