Sonya Selhorst, RN, BSN, MBA

Sonya S. Selhorst, MBA, BSN, RN, FACHE, is a healthcare executive and nurse leader with more than 25 years of progressive experience in clinical care, hospital operations, and executive leadership. She currently serves as President and Chief Nursing Officer of Mercy Health–Defiance, providing strategic and operational leadership for the hospital, multispecialty clinics, and regional outreach services. Throughout her career with Mercy Health, Selhorst has advanced through progressive leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Hospital Administrator, and Director of Urgent Care Services. Her expertise includes organizational leadership, nursing operations, quality and patient safety, strategic planning, financial management, workforce development, process improvement, and change management. She is recognized for building high-performing teams, leading complex organizational change, and advancing access to high-quality care in rural communities. Selhorst has guided Mercy Defiance to numerous national distinctions, including CMS 5-Star ratings, Grade A Leapfrog ratings, Press Ganey Guardianship of Excellence recognition, and recognition as a Modern Healthcare Top 100 Best Place to Work. Her leadership has also driven significant operational improvements, including supply chain optimization, workforce initiatives, physician recruitment, and the integration and expansion of healthcare services. Her leadership in rural healthcare has earned national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review, which named Selhorst among its “Rural Hospital and Health System CEOs to Know” in 2024. Becker’s recognized her leadership in strategic growth, operational oversight, innovation, workforce development, and improving care and engagement at Mercy Defiance. A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Selhorst holds an MBA in Knowledge Management, a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is also actively involved in professional, civic, educational, and community organizations throughout Northwest Ohio, reflecting her commitment to strengthening healthcare and the communities she serves.