Rick Metzger named president and CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola

Rick Metzger, a healthcare executive and registered nurse who served as CEO of USA Health Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, has been named president and chief executive officer of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, effective Oct. 12.

He brings more than two decades of experience in patient care, hospital operations, quality and safety, and strategic growth. The appointment marks a return to Ascension for Metzger, who previously spent nearly seven years as vice president of operations and chief operating officer at Ascension Providence from 2016 to 2023.

"Coming back to Ascension feels like a true homecoming," Metzger said. "At my core, I am a nurse and a servant leader, and connecting back to Ascension's faith-based mission is deeply meaningful to me," he said. "Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola has an exceptional legacy, and my primary focus will be building upon the strong foundation Will Condon established, expanding access to care, and earning the trust of our dedicated physicians, associates, and community."

Before coming to Sacred Heart, Metzger has served as CEO of USA Health Providence Hospital, a 349-bed acute care hospital and Level III trauma center in Mobile, Alabama, since June 2024, first as interim CEO and then as permanent CEO beginning in October 2024

Metzger led Providence through several major technology initiatives, including the transition to a new electronic medical record system. He also led a financial improvement plan that achieved more than $10 million in operational savings and helped grow clinical services by building strong partnerships with physicians. His focus on quality and safety helped Providence improve its Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade from a C to a B in spring 2026.

He succeeds Will Condon, who was recently appointed CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Health System.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rick back to lead Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola," Will said. "Rick brings a unique combination of frontline clinical insight as a registered nurse, proven operational leadership, and a steadfast commitment to our Mission. He understands what it means to lead within Ascension, and that will be invaluable as we continue to expand services and provide compassionate, high-quality care across our region."

Metzger began his healthcare career when he was 19 as an OR orderly and went on to work in surgical technology, nursing, hospital operations, and executive leadership. A Huntsville, Alabama, native, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a Master of Management in Health Care from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management. In 2022, he completed Ascension's Executive Ministry Leadership Formation program.

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola is home to the region's only Level I Trauma Center and includes the main hospital campus, Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, and comprehensive outpatient facilities.