Mississippi News

Former Medicaid Chief Information Officer Named CIO of Mississippi Hospital Association

Nov. 25, 2024-With over 20 years of executive information technology leadership in healthcare, Chamath Wijewardane is now on board as the Mississippi Hospital Association’s (MHA) new Chief Information Officer. Wijewardane most recently served as the Mississippi Division of Medicaid’s Chief Information Officer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chamath back to MHA in this key leadership position,” said Richard Roberson, MHA President and CEO. “His deep understanding of healthcare IT, combined with his passion for improving patient outcomes through technology, will strengthen our efforts to support hospitals and healthcare providers across Mississippi.”

Wijewardane previously served as Director of IT Solutions at MHA, where he enhanced statewide health information exchange (HIE) capabilities and introduced new IT solutions that added significant value to member hospitals. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation, St. Dominic Hospital, and OCH Regional Medical Center.

“From improving efficiency and cooperation to reshaping the way patient data is managed, information technology plays a pivotal role facilitating the delivery of quality healthcare,” Wijewardane said. “MHA is committed to using IT to help move its efforts and healthcare in Mississippi to the next level, and I am excited to join the team.”

Wijewardane holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the University of Wyoming.

Bob Bakken

Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.