Jefferson City, Missouri - SSM Health has appointed Dr. John Lucio as President and Chief Medical Officer for SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - Jefferson City. The appointment is part of the region's leadership succession plan following the announcement of Interim President Justin Morely’s departure on September 12, 2026.
Dr. Lucio brings more than 25 years of clinical and leadership experience to the role and has served patients and communities throughout Mid-Missouri for more than two decades. He most recently served as Regional Chief Medical Officer for SSM Health's Mid-Missouri Region, where he played a key role in advancing clinical excellence, physician engagement, and operational performance.
"Dr. Lucio is a respected physician leader whose commitment to our Mission, patients and caregivers has made a lasting impact across the region," said Tammy Powell, Regional President for SSM Health in Oklahoma and Mid-Missouri. "His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision and dedication to exceptional care make him exceptionally well-positioned to lead our Mid-Missouri Region into the future."
Dr. Lucio earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He also completed fellowship training in cardiac anesthesiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and earned a Master of Science in preventive medicine/administrative medicine from the University of Wisconsin. He is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management and served 10 years as an active-duty physician in the U.S. Navy.
Since joining the medical staff at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in 1999, Dr. Lucio has held numerous leadership positions, including Medical Director of SSM Health Spine & Pain Management in Jefferson City, Vice President of Medical Affairs from 2002 to 2014, and Regional Chief Medical Officer beginning in 2023. Throughout his tenure, he has been a strong advocate for quality care, physician leadership and advancing the health of the communities SSM Health serves.
Dr. Lucio will work closely with Morley and regional leaders to ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum across the Mid-Missouri Region.
About SSM Health
Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential. With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies.
SSM Health in Mid-Missouri
In Mid-Missouri, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Jefferson City has been a part of the Mid-Missouri community since 1905. In 2014, the hospital moved to its new, state-of-the art facility with spacious private rooms, an expanded emergency department, an Outpatient Surgery Center and the Blessed Beginnings Family Birth Center, the premier birthing center for Mid-Missouri. The hospital has been recognized with numerous awards for its unique design based on the latest research in patient safety and efficiency of care. It also regularly receives national recognition for delivering outstanding patient experience.
