Leadership Team

Maria S.
CEO

A passionate and purpose-driven healthcare leader, Maria S. brings more than three decades of experience, compassion, and collaboration to Landmark Hospitals. Her leadership style is deeply rooted in transparency, accessibility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—values she embodies daily through her open-door approach and frequent presence throughout the hospital, where she connects with staff, patients, and families.

Her journey in healthcare began at just 14 years old, when she started as a nursing assistant in long-term care, where she first discovered her deep connection to people and service. That early spark became a lifelong calling, leading her to earn her LPN and RN, followed by a BSN and MSN with a focus on education. In 2017, her commitment to lifelong learning culminated in a Doctor of Health Administration & Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the Medical University of South Carolina.

Throughout her career, she has held a wide range of roles across ICU, step-down, medical-surgical, nursing education, healthcare construction, and hospital operations—including helping to open a brand-new hospital and coordinating its patient transition. Her broad expertise uniquely positions her to lead interdisciplinary teams with empathy, clinical insight, and strategic clarity.

She holds a Fellowship with the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) through the National Association for Healthcare Quality.

Originally from New York and later California, Maria moved to Southeast Missouri in 2018 to serve as Chief Operating Officer at SoutheastHEALTH. Since then, she and her family have proudly called Jackson home. She and her husband enjoy life with their three adult children, three beautiful granddaughters, and two beloved English bulldogs, Hobbs and Tucker. Outside the hospital, you can find her gardening, preserving food, and soaking up the outdoors.

Above all, Maria leads with heart. Whether mentoring a new clinician, comforting a patient’s family, or guiding strategic initiatives, her purpose is clear: to serve others with grace, strength, and compassion.