"We are excited to bring Ms. Johnson-Mekota on board as the new Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System," said Ms. Janet Murphy, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 23) Director. "Her sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the health care system, the employees, volunteers, and most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve. We anticipate she will arrive at the Iowa City VA medical center February 8 to begin her appointment."
Ms. Johnson-Mekota holds a Master Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa and an undergraduate degree in Nursing from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Ms. Johnson-Mekota has served more than 20 years in health care leadership positions within VA, most recently as Director, VA Central Iowa Health Care System.
The Iowa City VA Health Care System provides health care to more than 40,000 Veterans with an operating budget of about $182M - to include ten Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). With 1,100 employees, the system covers 32 counties in eastern Iowa and 16 counties in western Illinois.
It is a teaching hospital providing a full range of patient care services with state-of-the-art technology, as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care.
Ms. Johnson-Mekota has an exceptional background and possesses the leadership, knowledge, and skills necessary to successfully lead the Iowa City VA Health Care System into the future.
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