NAMES IN THE NEWS

Joint Commission Names New COO

NOVEMBER 14, 2025

	James I. Merlino

Joint Commission has appointed James I. Merlino, MD, as chief operating officer (COO), effective January 1, 2026, according to a release. Merlino currently serves as chief innovation officer, a role he has held since joining Joint Commission from Cleveland Clinic in August 2023. He will be responsible for driving operational excellence and advancing the organization’s mission to support healthcare organizations in delivering safe, high-quality care to patients worldwide.

Since joining Joint Commission, Merlino has been instrumental in helping transform the organization’s strategic direction and operational model. As chief innovation officer, he led initiatives to expand Joint Commission’s impact, including supporting the organization’s launch of its Responsible Use of Health Data Certification, co-leading national convenings on the use of healthcare artificial intelligence, and bringing his real-world experience in modernizing approaches to accreditation and certification designed to better support healthcare organizations worldwide, according to the release.

“A seasoned healthcare leader, Dr. Merlino is both an accomplished surgeon and an exceptional strategic leader—bringing both the clinical and operational perspective that will be invaluable to this role,” said Jonathan Perlin, MD, president and chief executive officer of Joint Commission, in the release. “His innovative mindset and passion for advancing safety, quality and patient experience have already made a significant mark on Joint Commission. This transition allows us to more fully leverage Jim’s strengths in support of our mission to enable and affirm the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety for all.”

As COO, Merlino will have responsibility for ensuring operational alignment and impact across Joint Commission’s accreditation, certification and international programs. He will guide efforts to support healthcare organizations in advancing the highest standards of quality and safety. His leadership will also extend globally, where more than 1,000 healthcare organizations in more than 70 countries have achieved Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, according to the release.

“It’s a privilege to serve Joint Commission and help lead an organization so deeply committed to improving care for patients everywhere,” Merlino said in the release. “Healthcare is undergoing extraordinary change, and our role is to be a trusted partner, supporting organizations with the standards, insights and innovation they need to deliver safer, higher-quality care. I’m inspired by the passion and purpose of our team and look forward to building on that foundation to further advance our mission globally.”