Ikenna (Ike) Mmeje has been named Chief Operating Officer at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. He succeeds Joe DeSchryver who was promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Mmeje will assume his duties April 7.
In his new role Mmeje (pronounced May-jay) is responsible for oversight of the hospital’s daily operations and ancillary departments such as pathology, radiology, pharmacy and plant operations at the largest private employer in San Luis Obispo. He will play an integral role as well in the hospital’s clinical outcomes, patient, physician and employee satisfaction, and financial success.
Ike Mmeje
“In Ike Mmeje we have found a Chief Operating Officer whose personal value set will serve both Sierra Vista and our community well,” DeSchryver said. “He has the proven ability to manage a complex organization in a results driven manner while at the same time focusing on providing optimal outcomes and exceptional patient experiences.”
Mmeje comes to Sierra Vista having worked the past seven years at Sutter Health – Alta Bates Medical Center in Oakland, the past two years as Administrative Director – Clinical and Research Services. Prior to that, he spent four years as Director of Operations at REDI, the East Bay AIDS Center, and also completed a one-year Administrative Fellowship with Sutter Health.
Mmeje earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health & Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley and completed a Master’s of Health Services Administration degree at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, certified in Healthcare Research Compliance, and will be certified as a “Lean” leader in continuous performance improvement.