Jessica Kendrick Named Chief Nursing Officer at Ottumwa Regional Health Center
February 27, 2026
By Raquel Alderman
Ottumwa, IA- February 27, 2026– Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC) is pleased to announce that Jessica Kendrick has accepted the role of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).
Kendrick brings 24 years of dedicated service to ORHC, having begun her career with the organization in November 2001. Throughout her tenure, she has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to patient care, operational excellence, and team development.
Jessica began her healthcare career at ORHC as a home health aide before earning her Registered Nurse (RN) credentials. She has since held several leadership positions, including manager and director roles in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Lean process improvement, and most recently Quality & Risk. Her diverse experience across clinical and operational departments has positioned her well to lead nursing services and support continued growth at ORHC.
In recognition of her leadership and dedication to nursing excellence, Kendrick was honored with the Outstanding Nurse Leader Award by the Iowa Hospital Association.
“Jessica’s deep understanding of our organization, her passion for patient care, and her collaborative leadership style make her an exceptional choice for Chief Nursing Officer,” said Richard Bergmann, CEO of Ottumwa Regional Health Center. “We are confident that under her leadership, our nursing teams will continue to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to our community.”
As Chief Nursing Officer, Kendrick will oversee nursing operations, clinical quality initiatives, and patient care services across the organization. She will play a key role in advancing ORHC’s mission to provide safe, high-quality healthcare close to home.
###
About Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC)
Ottumwa Regional Health Center is a 217-bed hospital that has served Ottumwa, Wapello County and surrounding southeast Iowa communities for more than 125 years. The hospital provides a broad range of services, including emergency care, medical and surgical care, critical care, acute rehabilitation, obstetrics, pediatrics and specialty services. These include cardiac catheterization, diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, wound care, pain management, sleep studies and pathology.
Ottumwa Regional Health Center is committed to its mission of making communities healthier. For more information, call 641.684.2300 or visit OttumwaRegionalHealth.com.