“We are thrilled to have her here,” says George Robinson, president, FMC Board of Directors. “She is a great fit for us, and we know she will do a wonderful job.”
Freestone Medical Center (FMC) welcomed their new Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Wilson, during a party held in her honor on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Making official introductions to the newest addition to the Freestone Medical Center family , CEO Melissa Wilson, is Fairfield Hospital Board President, Georger Robinson during a ‘Meet & Greet’ event last week. (Photo by Nicole Schaefer)
Melissa brings more than 24 years of healthcare experience, with a strong track record of improving operational efficiency, enhancing patient care, and driving growth in healthcare organizations.
“I want to thank the board, staff, and community for such a warm welcome,” says Melissa, who began her position on August 19, 2024. “I am blessed to be here and happy to be working with such a great team to make this facility even better than it already is. We have some challenges ahead, but I’m confident in the staff and team here at FMC.”
Melissa explained to The “Times” that many years ago, a colleague asked her several times to come work in a small rural town as a hospital administrator. At first, she was reluctant to come out of retirement, due partly to significant challenges the health system was experiencing at the time, and due to the substantial move required. However, after meeting the people and accepting the opportunities to make a difference, she fell in love with the community and organization.
“I love working with people, guiding and mentoring, watching them grow into our future leaders and helping them by providing the tools they need to succeed. I can’t imagine doing anything other than rural medicine. There is nothing like it.”
She goes on to say, “The people and community here are wonderful. The facility is beautiful. As with many rural facilities, finances are always a concern, but we’re in a better position than many. Part of the challenge lies in striking a balance between fulfilling the community’s needs and wants with what we can realistically offer.”
When not working, Melissa enjoys riding her BMW and Yamaha motorcycles and has even served as a motorcycle safety instructor.
She loves spending time with her family as well. She has four children, Amelia – 20, Ashleigh – 22, Nicholas – 24, and Jacob – 26. Her husband Brian brings four children as well, her “bonus” kids, as she says: Jacob – 22, Paul – 25, John – 29, and Rachel – 30.
Read more about Melissa’s background and experience at here.
Welcome, Melissa! We look forward to watching you grow with the community.
