Gulfport, Miss., July 16, 2021- Mark Studdard has been appointed as chief executive officer of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner of Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. In his position as CEO, Studdard will oversee all of the day-to-day operations as well as patient care and quality at the 43-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital, located at 4500 13^th Street, Suite 900. He assumed the position on July 4, 2021.

Studdard joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Gulfport in July 2020, where he has served as the Associate Administrator. In this role, he worked to elevate and improve the hospital’s clinical, financial, employee, and patient satisfaction outcomes. Prior to his role at Encompass Health, Studdard served in multiple leadership positions at various healthcare systems, including at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, Mississippi, where he held previous roles as Vice President of Ancillary Services, Vice President of the Heart Center and Support Services, and Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Prior to his time at Magnolia Regional Health Center, Studdard served as Director of Food, Nutrition and Environmental Services at Payson Regional Medical Center in Arizona for seven years.

“With more than 23 years of healthcare industry experience, Mark offers a vast knowledge and understanding of healthcare management, strategic planning, patient satisfaction, and staff support, and we are excited for him to join the Encompass Health leadership team in Gulfport,” said Brad Kennedy, president of Encompass Health’s south central region. “I am confident he will make outstanding contributions to the hospital and will continue to uphold the standards of excellence we dedicate to our patients and employees.”

Studdard earned his bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Georgia Southern University and his master’s in healthcare leadership administration from Northern Arizona University. He is an American College of Healthcare Executives Fellow and is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetics Association. Studdard is involved in his local community through a number of organizations, including the Mid-South Stock Dog Association and Rotary International. He served as a board member on The Alliance Community Development Council and a den leader for Boy Scouts of America.

About Encompass Health

As a national leader in integrated healthcare services, Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) offers both facility‑based and home‑based patient care through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, home health agencies and hospice agencies. With a national footprint that includes 140 hospitals, 250 home health locations, and 94 hospice locations in 42 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high‑quality, cost-effective integrated healthcare. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. For more information, visit www.encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.