Health Care Veteran Becomes Mercy Clinic COO

Doug Penner began July 30 as chief operating officer for Mercy Clinic Northwest Arkansas, bringing 12 years of health care operations experience to the post.

Mercy Clinic President Dr. Steve Goss said Penner is a perfect fit for the clinic while Mercy is in the midst of a major expansion.

“We feel fortunate to have Doug in such an important role in our ministry,” Dr. Goss said. “His experience, coupled with his dedication to patient-centered care, will be essential as we continue to build our network of clinics in Northwest Arkansas.”

Most recently, Penner was vice president of Elliot Medical Group, a 335-provider organization with 40 locations in the Elliot Health System of Manchester, New Hampshire. Previous to that, he served as chief operating officer of the Washington Township Medical Group in the Washington Hospital Healthcare System of Fremont, California. He also served as a practice manager and director of operations for medical groups within Sutter Health in the San Francisco area.

“I am thrilled to be joining Mercy,” Penner said. “Mercy has a long tradition of excellence, and a profound commitment to its mission. It is an honor and privilege to serve Mercy’s ministry in Northwest Arkansas, and to contribute to continued growth in the market.”

Originally from California, Penner earned a Master of Business Administration in finance from Indiana University and a Master of Public Health from the University of California-Berkeley. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and French from the University of Mississippi.

Penner is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

Penner and his wife, Delena, have a daughter.