Business with humanity in mind: The leadership style of Carey alum and Mercy Health Services CEO David Maine

“I enjoy caring for patients, keeping the human side of health care at the forefront of everything we do.”

From overseeing strategic initiatives and clinical innovation as the CEO of Mercy Health Services to continuing to see patients as a pain management specialist, Dr. David Maine (MBA ‘23) brings a deeply human-centered approach to executive leadership.

When asked about his daily workload, Maine said there is no typical day, but they all start with a focus on how they’re  serving their patients—looking at key performance metrics, meeting with “our incredible teams,” and aligning on mission. That mission, rooted in values like respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service, has been the bedrock of Mercy Health Services for over 150 years. Under Maine’s leadership, the institution has not only honored its tradition but also embraced the future, expanding primary and specialty care across Baltimore, growing its Centers of Excellence , and pioneering collaborations that help retain top talent in the region.

Despite the demands of leading a large health system, Maine remains grounded in clinical practice at Mercy’s Center for Interventional Pain Medicine. For him, it’s a vital link to the patient experience and an essential reminder of the personal impact of health care. “Seeing patients walk out healthier, hearing their stories of hope—those moments are a constant source of motivation.”

From exam rooms, to classrooms, to board rooms

Realizing the need to bridge clinical insight with business acumen, Maine pursued an MBA at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, drawn to its focus on health care leadership and innovation.

“As a physician, I realized that understanding the clinical aspects of health care is just one part of providing excellent care,” he said. “The MBA program at Carey is known for its focus on health care leadership and its commitment to developing professionals who can drive innovation in the health care space.”

Beyond the hospital walls, Maine is a committed civic leader. He serves on the boards of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, the Greater Baltimore Committee, and Ner Tamid Green Spring Family Synagogue. He chairs the Maryland Hospital Association’s Council on Clinical and Quality Issues and is a member of its board of trustees. His contributions to the community—particularly in education, mentorship, and health equity—earned him recognition from the Boy Scouts of America , an honor he treasures for its focus on character and service.

“Giving back to the community is very important to me, and I believe it’s part of the broader responsibility we have as leaders,” said Maine. “I’m proud to support organizations that focus on building leadership, character, and service in young people.”

Maine credits the community honors he has received not to himself, but to the “remarkable team at Mercy” and the mentors and colleagues who have shaped his journey.

“Any success I’ve had is a reflection of their expertise and dedication. I’m so proud to work alongside professionals whose passion continues to drive Mercy’s progress,” he said.

The human side of health care

Looking ahead, Maine sees challenges in the evolving health care landscape, but conveys confidence in the next generation of health care leaders.

“One of the biggest challenges will be navigating the complexities of health care reform and ensuring that we can maintain affordable, high-quality care for all patients. We must continue to stay focused on patient-centered care while leveraging health care advances to improve access, outcomes, and efficiency.”

Maine’s advice for students aspiring to careers in health care or business is to learn the ability to adapt, build strong relationships, and stay grounded in the core values of compassion, integrity, and service to others.

Whether in the boardroom, the clinic, or the community, Maine is shaping a future where innovative leadership is informed by compassionate care.