Buffalo, NY – Catholic Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Derek Drake, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, as President of Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, effective July 2025.
Drake brings more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience to his new role, with expertise spanning clinical operations, strategic planning, continuous improvement, and organizational growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Derek to Catholic Health and to our leadership team at Mercy Hospital,” said Jim Garvey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Health. “Derek is a dynamic and accomplished healthcare executive with a strong clinical background. His track record of driving quality, improving employee engagement, and leading complex service lines will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and enhance care delivery at Mercy and across our system.”
Drake began his career as a registered nurse and held a series of progressively senior leadership roles, including Director of Emergency and Trauma Services at Renown Health in Reno, Nevada, and Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California.
Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer at Orange County Global Medical Center in Santa Ana, California, a tertiary care facility providing comprehensive services including trauma, burn care, stroke care, advanced cardiovascular and neurosurgical services, and maternal-child health programs.
Drake earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Nevada, Reno. He later received his Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. He will be relocating from California to Buffalo this summer.
As President of Mercy Hospital, Drake will work closely with hospital leadership, medical staff, and associates to continue advancing clinical excellence, employee engagement, and system-wide strategic initiatives across Catholic Health.
