About Rick Metzger
Rick Metzger serves as chief executive officer of USA Health Providence Hospital, a 349-bed acute care Level III trauma facility. He was named interim CEO in June 2024 and became the hospital’s permanent CEO in October of that year.
Since assuming the role, Metzger has led the hospital through several key milestones, including the full conversion of information technology and electronic medical record systems, as well as a financial improvement plan that achieved more than $10 million in operational savings within his first year. Under his leadership, Providence has also experienced significant service line growth through strengthened physician partnerships.
Prior to USA Health’s acquisition of the historic Mobile hospital, Metzger had most recently served as COO and vice president of surgical services at Ascension Providence. After the transition, he provided executive oversight of more than 550 clinical and non-clinical staff across surgical services, perioperative care, laboratory services, respiratory therapy, plant operations, and support services as an assistant administrator. In that role, he guided Providence through its transition from Ascension Healthcare to USA Health, ensuring continuity of operations and successful integration into the University of South Alabama’s academic health system.
Before joining USA Health, Metzger spent nearly two decades in progressive leadership roles with Ascension Providence Hospital and Huntsville Hospital Health System. His experience includes overseeing large, complex surgical services programs, driving service line growth in orthopaedics, spine, and bariatrics, and leading quality improvement initiatives that enhanced accreditation outcomes and patient safety.
A registered nurse, Metzger earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a Master of Management in Health Care from Vanderbilt University. He is licensed by the State of Alabama as a registered nurse and holds certifications in Six Sigma Green Belt, crisis intervention, and risk management. He was also selected for Ascension’s Executive Ministry Leadership Formation program in 2022.