HERMANN — A new administrator takes the reins tomorrow at Hermann Area District Hospital, signaling the start of Mercy Healthcare’s management of the financially struggling public hospital.

Bill Hellebusch, a physical therapist by training who decided to move into hospital administration at Mercy Washington, will be heading the effort to turn around the 50-plus-year-old taxpayer-owned hospital that recorded a loss of about $1.6 million in 2022.

Hellebusch succeeds longtime Administrator Dan McKinney, who May 24 ended a 36-year career with HADH, the last 30 of those in the top administrative position. The hospital staff and others last week held a celebration for McKinney. Hermann Mayor Bruce Cox was scheduled to read a proclamation recognizing McKinney for his three decades-plus of service at the hospital.

Mercy Washington President Eric Eoloff, speaking to the HADH Board of Directors by phone at last week’s monthly session, said Hellebusch is ready to take up the challenge of managing the acute care hospital. Eoloff explained that Hellebusch was not attending the HADH board session because he and his wife were spending some time at Disney World before beginning his new role in managing the hospital.

Hellebusch met with hospital personnel several days ago and was well-received, according to accounts given at the board meeting. It was noted that the hospital staff was “anxious and excited” about the incoming administrator.

Indeed, Dr. Michael Rothermich, HADH medical chief of staff, told the Gasconade County Republican after the board meeting that he looks forward to working with the new administrator and is optimistic about Hellebusch being able to turn around the hospital’s financial fortune.

Doing that could be a big feather in Hellebusch’s cap. According to some HADH staffers, Hellebusch is seen by some as a possible successor to Eoloff when the Mercy Washington president retires. If that’s the case, managing HADH could be viewed by Mercy Heatlhcare officials as Hellebusch’s proving grounds.