Newly Appointed CEO to Build on SGCMH’s Strong Foundation
July 8, 2025
Steve Henson, the newly appointed CEO of Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, has only been on the job a few weeks, but he’s already finding his footing.
“It’s been a bit like drinking from a firehose,” he admitted. “But this organization has so much going for it. The community here is absolutely beautiful, and everything I’ve seen and heard so far has been incredibly encouraging. Every hospital has its own unique rhythm, so I’m taking the time to really learn and appreciate those nuances.”
With 37 years of healthcare experience, Henson’s journey to hospital leadership began on the front lines of emergency care.
“In the early ’90s, I started out as a paramedic in Little Rock, Arkansas,” he recalled. “Over time, I became the director of a hospital-based ambulance service that covered five counties. Somewhere along the way, I realized I wanted to make a broader impact in healthcare, and that led me toward hospital administration.”
To prepare for that transition, Henson took an unconventional route: law school.
“I went to law school at night for four years—not to hang out a shingle and practice law, but to be a better hospital administrator. I knew having a legal background would be a tremendous asset in navigating the complexities of healthcare, and it has been.”
Since 2006, Henson has held leadership roles at three other hospitals—SGCMH is his fourth.
“I’ve worked in larger hospitals and psychiatric facilities, and this is the second critical access hospital I’ve had the privilege to serve,” he said. “I’ve done a little bit of everything, and I’m proud to say I’ve been successful everywhere I’ve dipped my toes.”
Henson described what drew him to hospital administration in the first place was a desire to fix what he couldn’t from the ambulance.
“As a paramedic, you get the adrenaline and the fast-paced environment, but I began noticing how many patients were struggling—not because of the medical care itself, but because of the insurance system and other barriers. It can really become difficult and get pretty complicated. I wanted to help people navigate those challenges. That’s what inspired me.”
After finishing a role in North Carolina late last year, which involved significant travel for about 15 months, Henson decided to take a brief break. By March, he was eager to return to healthcare, seeking a hospital that aligned with his professional goals.
“Ste. Genevieve was one of the few hospitals that really caught my attention,” Henson said. “The first thing that drew me in was that it was a critical access hospital. I’ve worked in that setting before and truly enjoyed it because it gives you the chance to build meaningful relationships with both the staff and patients over time.”
As he researched Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, Henson found himself impressed.
“After doing some deep research on both the hospital and the county, I realized there was so much to offer here,” he said. “My wife and I both felt strongly about it. I knew my skills would be a good match, and the hospital and location were exactly what we were looking for. Everything just seemed to fall into place.”
Independent hospitals are becoming more of an exception these days, but not the rule.
“When you look back in history, most hospitals were independent, community-based institutions,” Henson said. “This is the second independent hospital I’ve worked with, and what’s become crystal clear to me from conversations with the board, hospital staff, and members of the community is that everyone wants to keep it that way. I’m fully committed to ensuring this hospital remains independent.”
Henson recognizes the many challenges that come with healthcare today, but he believes Ste. Genevieve County Memorial is well-positioned to tackle them.
“We have so much going for us here, and we’ve got all the right building blocks,” he said. “What we need to do now is align everything a little more effectively. Once we do that, I’m confident we’ll be able to address the challenges in front of us. Honestly, this is the strongest foundation I’ve started with yet.”
Henson and his wife, Jennifer, are both passionate about the outdoors and are excited to explore the area's hiking and kayaking spots. In addition to their outdoor pursuits, Henson is an avid cook and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his “cooking toys.”
Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital is a nonprofit community hospital that works to continue to improve the health and well-being of the community. Our professional staff uses advanced technology and medicine to provide excellent, personalized, and compassionate healthcare. For more information on Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, visit stegenevievehospital.org.
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