MESQUITE, Texas — Today Ernest Health announced the promotion of Lynn Fleming, MS, CCC-SLP, to Chief Operating Officer, recognizing her 30+ years of leadership and dedication to advancing high-quality patient care and operational excellence across the organization.

Fleming, who most recently served as Chief Clinical Officer, has played a pivotal role in shaping Ernest Health’s clinical strategy, patient outcomes, and workforce development initiatives nationwide. In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, she will oversee operational strategy and performance across Ernest Health’s network of specialty hospitals, supporting the organization’s continued growth and commitment to deliver exceptional rehabilitative care.

“Lynn has been instrumental in shaping the clinical excellence and culture that defines Ernest Health today,” said Jake Socha, President of Ernest Health. “Her dedication to our patients, hospitals, and people has made a lasting impact across the organization. I’m excited to see her bring that same leadership and vision to her new role as Chief Operating Officer.”

Fleming began her career as a speech-language pathologist and has built a distinguished career in healthcare leadership, serving in both regional and national roles. She earned a Bachelor in Communication Disorders from the University of Memphis Lambuth in Jackson, Tennessee, and a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi.

Prior to joining Ernest Health, Fleming served as Regional Vice President at HealthSouth for seven years, where she gained extensive experience in rehabilitation services and hospital operations.

A founding leader of Ernest Health since its establishment in 2004, Fleming has held several key executive roles, including Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations and Chief Clinical Officer. During her tenure, she oversaw clinical and case management services for more than 6,000 employees nationwide and played a key role in the organization’s expansion, helping open 28 freestanding rehabilitation hospitals and supporting three strategic acquisitions.

Fleming has also championed programs designed to strengthen clinical leadership and employee development across the organization, including the Clinical Career Ladder, Nursing Preceptor Program, and Neuro-IFRAH training. These initiatives have contributed to Ernest Health maintaining one of the strongest employee retention rates in the rehabilitation industry.

Her leadership has also helped drive strong clinical outcomes across the organization. Since 2006, Ernest Health’s inpatient rehabilitation hospitals have consistently participated in the UDS PEM Top Performer Program, which recognizes the top 10% of rehabilitation hospitals nationwide for quality outcomes. In 2025 , 22 Ernest Health inpatient rehabilitation hospitals received the Top Performer designation, with eight ranking in the top 5% nationally. Many of these hospitals have earned this recognition every year since opening. Additionally, Newsweek named 15 Ernest Health inpatient rehabilitation facilities among the “2025 Best Rehabilitation Hospitals.”

“I’m dedicated to helping our hospitals achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients through high-quality clinical care,” Fleming said. “In addition to patient-centered programming, my passion is mentoring and developing our leaders across Ernest Health.”

Please help us congratulate Lynn on her tremendous contributions to Ernest Health, our hospitals, and our people as she begins this important new leadership role.