North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS) today announced the upcoming retirement of David Wilson, chief operating officer of NMHS and president of North Mississippi Medical Center (NMMC)-Tupelo on Sept. 30.

Wilson joined NMHS after previously serving as president of Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, Alabama, and as a senior leader within the Birmingham-based Baptist Health System. Earlier in his career, he led both for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals of varying sizes across Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama. He holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology and biology and a master’s degree in health administration, all earned with honors.

Wilson was named president of NMMC-Tupelo, one of the largest rural hospitals in the nation, in 2015.  In 2021, Wilson was promoted to chief operating officer of NMHS, assuming operational responsibility for all NMHS hospitals and existing joint ventures.

Throughout his tenure, Wilson has played a pivotal role in advancing NMHS’ transformation efforts. He has overseen service line growth across eight hospitals within the NMHS footprint, helping broaden inpatient, outpatient, specialty and surgical services across Mississippi and Alabama. 

Wilson has been instrumental in many systemwide initiatives, including Epic electronic medical records implementation and the addition of NMMC Gilmore-Amory and NMHS-South Marion hospitals and clinics to the system. He has led substantial growth across all service lines, such as cancer care, heart and vascular care and neuroscience services. He also guided clinical and administrative leaders during the “Systemness 2.0” transformation, which improved system-wide coordination, operational consistency, quality performance and resource optimization.

“David’s leadership has shaped North Mississippi Health Services in lasting and meaningful ways,” said Shane Spees, NMHS president and CEO. “His steady guidance, deep operational expertise and commitment to our mission have strengthened our system’s ability to deliver exceptional care across all communities we serve. We are grateful for his dedication, his partnership and a legacy of servant leadership.”

In addition to leading NMHS with exceptional commitment, vision and results, Wilson has served on numerous boards, including the CREATE Foundation, United Way of Northeast Mississippi and statewide healthcare committees focused on trauma care and Medicaid policy. 

NMHS will begin a formal search and transition process in the coming months. Wilson will remain actively involved to ensure continuity of leadership and support for NMHS teams and partner organizations.

About North Mississippi Health Services

North Mississippi Health Services serves 24 counties in north Mississippi and northwest Alabama with acute, diagnostic, therapeutic and emergency services. The sole trauma center (Level 2) in our service area is located at our flagship hospital, North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. The health care system also includes community hospitals in Amory, Eupora, Iuka, Pontotoc and West Point, Mississippi, and Hamilton and Winfield, Alabama, a regional network of more than 70 primary and specialty clinics; four nursing homes and telehealth services.