COLUMBUS, Ohio — Trinity Health on Thursday announced that Tauana McDonald will be the new president and chief executive officer of Mount Carmel Health System. She takes the place of Lorraine Lutton, who retired last year. 

McDonald is the first African American woman president and CEO of the health system, and is the first to lead the Mount Carmel Health System since its creation 138 years ago. Additionally, she is the first American American woman to lead a health system in central Ohio.

What You Need To Know

  • She will assume her role on July 1

  • McDonald has been with Trnity Health since 2003

  •  The health system said she's advanced in several roles that included transforming large clinical operations and initiatives

“Tauana is a dynamic leader well-poised to lead Mount Carmel into the next chapters of success,” said Trinity Health’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ben Carter. “She was critical to Mount Carmel’s financial, quality and culture turnaround. Her track record of excellence speaks for itself.”

She will assume her role on July 1. 

McDonald has been with Trinity Health since 2003, according to Mount Carmel. The health system said she's advanced in several roles that included transforming large clinical operations and initiatives. She filled the role of chief administrative officer in 2017 and helped develop programs and partnerships. 

Then, in 2020, she was promoted to president and CEO of Mount Carmel Grove City. 

“I’m thrilled to begin this new role and continue partnering with our incredible colleagues and staff in building on the momentum we’ve created here at Mount Carmel to advance our Mission,” McDonald said. “I’ve come to call Columbus home and am honored to serve the needs of the central Ohio Community.”

Mount Carmel said McDonald earned her bachelor's degree in human biology from Stanford University and a master's degree in health service management and policy from the University of Michigan. She serves on the boards of Mount Carmel Behavioral Health Hospital, Mid-Ohio Food Collective and is president of the OSU/Mount Carmel Alliance Board. Additionally, she is a member of American Hospital Association Health Services Executives, Ohio Hospital Association Strategy and Innovation Council and is involved in many national and local service organizations.