Leadership
Jonathan Koonce
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Before his role as interim chief executive officer at Merit Health Rankin, Jonathan Koonce served as the chief operating officer for Merit Health River Oaks. His responsibilities included supporting the overall strategic operations of the hospital, oversight of multiple ancillary departments and physician recruitment.
Prior to joining Merit Health River Oaks, Jonathan served as hospital administrator for Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, PA.
Koonce earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Harding University in Searcy, AR, and his master's in healthcare administration from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR.
Justin Stroud
Chief Financial Officer
Justin Stroud serves as the chief financial officer of Merit Health Rankin. In addition, Justin is also the CFO for Merit Health Central.
Justin is a licensed certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is an active member of Rotary International, the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the First Baptist Church Jackson Worship Choir.
Cynthia Ellis, BSN, MSM
Chief Nursing Officer
Cynthia Ellis, BSN, MSM, chief nursing officer, came from Merit Health Central where she served as assistant chief nursing officer. Ellis has worked in healthcare management for 29 years, 14 of those in a hospital based in sub-acute and acute units. She holds her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Chamberlain School of Nursing and Master of Science in management from Troy State University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in allied health sciences with a concentration in administration.