Semo Health Network announces new COO

NEW MADRID - Michelle Terrell of Sikeston is the new chief operations officer for Semo Health Network. The appointment became effective April 25.

Terrell grew up in the Dexter area and graduated from Henry County High School in Paris, Tenn. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in social work from Murray State University, Murray, Ky., and has a master's degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

Director of Social Services for Dexter Memorial Hospital for several years, Terrell was the executive director of the Home Again Division of Heartland Supported Living in Sikeston before becoming Heartland's chief operations officer in 2000.

In March 2001, Terrell became the executive director of the New Madrid County Human Resources Council Community Partnership and Family Resource Center. Included in her duties there were staff supervision, leadership training, organizational financial assessment, writing and administering grant proposals, and strategic planning.

"Semo Health Network is very fortunate to have a talented, knowledgeable person such as Michelle Terrell on our staff," said Cheryl White, chief executive officer. "She brings fresh ideas to our organization and her background in social work will be ideal in planning programs to assist our patients. "

"I look forward to my duties with Semo Health," said Terrell. "The organization has a strong history of providing services to patients in Southeast Missouri, and I am pleased to be a part of that effort."

Terrell and her husband, David, live in Sikeston and have one son, Vance. They are active members of Miner Baptist Church, where she serves on various committees and is co-chairman of the annual Women's Conference. She is the daughter of Bill and Betty Temples of Dexter.

Established in 1978, Semo Health Network is a community health center with six medical clinics and three dental clinics across the Bootheel. The clinics provide primary health and dental care for patients of all ages.