John F. Merkle

Prior to his appointment he served as the Acting Director of the Medical Center since February 9, 2015.

Prior to these appointments, Mr. Merkle served as the Deputy Director of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center since September 2012. In this position he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the health care system. Prior to entering the Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Merkle was the Deputy Commander of Administration/Chief Operating Officer at the United States Army Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany.

Mr. Merkle is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army, who served on active duty for more than 24 years. He held a variety of healthcare leadership positions in his military career, including Deputy Commander of Administration of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Health Care Facility, Deputy Director of the San Antonio BRAC Integration Office, Air Ambulance Pilot, and Medical Company Commander. While in the military, Mr. Merkle was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit, an honorary organization that recognizes leadership and significant contributions to the Army Medical Department. He also earned the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Army Aviator Badge and received numerous medals, culminating with the Army Legion of Merit.

Mr. Merkle graduated in 1988 from John Carroll University in Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In 1997 he earned a Master of Business Administration from St. Martin's College in Washington. He also earned a Master of Health Administration from Baylor University in Texas in 2000. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt.