Merit Health Wesley Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer

6/21/2021

Hattiesburg - Merit Health Wesley welcomes Rick Kolaczek as its new chief operating officer, overseeing hospital operations and clinical departments.  

“With Rick’s knowledge and experience, we are confident that he will be a valuable addition to our leadership team," says CEO Matthew Banks. "We are excited to see the impact he makes on our organization and our community.”

Kolaczek comes to Merit Health Wesley from Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, AL, where he served as the assistant chief executive officer for four years. Prior to that role, he served as Grandview’s cardiovascular service line administrator.  Kolaczek began his career in patient care as a radiologic technologist.

“I am thrilled to join the team at Merit Health Wesley,” says Koleczek. “This organization has already seen so much growth in recent years, and I look forward to helping unlock further potential in how we can best serve the residents of the Pine Belt.” 

Kolaczek attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science in allied health administration and his Master of Science in health administration.

Rick Kolaczek, chief operating officer at Merit Health Wesley

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