SSM Health Regional COO Tina Garrison Resigned

Tina Garrison stepped down from her leadership role at SSM Health after 25 years with the organization.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a modern hospital building facade, representing institutional change in the healthcare sector. — SSM Health regional Chief Operating Officer Tina Garrison has resigned from her position, concluding a 25-year tenure with the healthcare organization. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Tina Garrison concluded her tenure as regional COO of SSM Health in September 2026, following a 25-year career with the system. She announced the decision through a social media post on September 18, 2026.

Why it matters

Garrison oversaw operations across the St. Louis and Southern Illinois regions, playing a significant role in the health system's leadership structure. Her departure marks the end of a long tenure that included various executive and administrative roles.

Tina Garrison served as regional COO for the St. Louis and Southern Illinois markets from March 2023 until her departure in September 2026. Her career at the health system spanned a total of 25 years.

The players

Tina Garrison

She is a veteran healthcare executive who recently stepped down from her position as the regional chief operating officer at SSM Health.

SSM Health

This is a large, Catholic, not-for-profit health system that operates hospitals and care facilities across the Midwest.

The details

Garrison joined the organization in 2001 and held several key positions, including president of DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, Missouri. She also previously served as the director of quality appraisal services for St. Mary's and Good Samaritan Hospitals.

Tina Garrison joined SSM Health in 2001.
She served as regional COO starting in March 2023.
Her employment concluded in September 2026.
The resignation was shared on LinkedIn on September 18, 2026.

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Market Landscape

Garrison's resignation reflects the ongoing trend of executive turnover in the U.S. hospital sector, which has seen a shift in leadership across major regional health networks. This change positions SSM Health to appoint new leadership as the organization navigates competitive challenges in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois medical markets.

The leadership change at the regional executive level generally does not impact day-to-day clinical operations or patient access to care. Patients in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois regions should expect normal hospital services to continue without disruption.

The takeaway

Executive transitions at major health systems are a standard component of organizational management and long-term succession planning. Stakeholders should monitor future leadership announcements to understand the upcoming strategic direction for the regional network.