蜜芽传媒

JEFFERSON CITY 鈥� A nurse with experience regulating hospitals and nursing homes is being tapped to serve as the head of Missouri鈥檚 health department.

In an announcement Tuesday, Gov. Mike Kehoe said he chose Sarah Willson to oversee the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services because of her background as a health care professional.

鈥淚 look forward to working together to strengthen the systems that support public health and well-being of all Missourians,鈥� Kehoe said in a statement.

Willson replaces Paula Nickelson, who took over the department in 2022 as the state was still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic under former Gov. Mike Parson.

During her tenure, Nickelson launched plans to address the state鈥檚 health care workforce shortages and advocated for increased state funding to Missouri鈥檚 historically underfunded local public health agencies. She also helped start a maternal mortality prevention plan to address the state鈥檚 high rate of women dying during or soon after childbirth.

鈥淪erving in this role has been the honor of my professional career,鈥� Nickelson said Monday. 鈥淢y heart is full of pride for this team and the crucial work we have accomplished together on behalf of the Missourians we serve. I will remain a staunch advocate for public health and the state of Missouri in retirement.鈥�

The selection of Willson marks one of the final agency heads picked by Kehoe as he fills out his cabinet. Most of his directors were selected before he was sworn into office Monday.

Willson has served as vice president of clinical and regulatory affairs for the Missouri Hospital Association since 2016. She provided clinical and regulatory guidance to over 140 hospitals on licensing, compliance and access for health care facilities.

鈥淎s a nurse and a small business owner, I understand the impact of health and regulation from a personal and public perspective,鈥� Willson said. 鈥淚 look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the department鈥檚 programs and services help all Missourians live healthy and safe lives.鈥�

The $2.5 billion per year agency has about 2,000 employees. Along with providing an array of health programs, the department oversees the state鈥檚 medical and recreational marijuana program.

The director of the department is paid $196,000 annually.

Willson also held leadership roles with Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care, where she oversaw operations in multiple states, and at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, directing patient care services across several departments.

Willson earned a master鈥檚 degree in business administration in health management from William Woods University and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia.