Mollie Lynch, MHA joined the MEMA team as COO in November 2025, taking the reins from former COO, Michael Icenhour, CMPE, who shares, “Mollie was a great choice for this role given her prior experience and in-depth practice management and emergency medicine knowledge. She will serve MEMA well and help them on their continued path to success”.
How long have you been with MEMA? My first day with MEMA was November 17th, 2025. I was fortunate to start right away, learning the ropes from the administrative team, and lucky to have Michael Icenhour stay on for a few months, giving me time to learn by shadowing and working alongside him.
Tell us how you first got into the world of healthcare?
Really, I stumbled into healthcare by accident. I attended UNCW, earned a BS in Accounting, and worked in public accounting for several years. My husband and I moved to Kansas City for a few years, and when we returned to the Charlotte area, one of the fathers from one of the families I babysat for in high school reached out to me. He was the founding physician of a Dermatology practice that needed an office manager. Not even knowing what that meant, I went in and spent the day at the practice, and at the end of the day, they offered me the position! I stayed there for 3 years.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
When I went to UNCW, I had every intent on becoming a physical therapist. As I progressed through all the science courses, I quickly realized that this was not going to be my future path. It was in my business classes, especially those involving numbers, where I really excelled. My highest grade in college was in statistics!
What led you to join MEMA as their COO?
For 10 years (2006 – 2016), I was the practice administrator of Cabarrus Emergency Medicine Associates, PA, so I often had the opportunity to connect with MEMA, and through that prior work relationship, I know who they are, their organizational culture, and mission. So, when I was made aware of this opening, I knew I wanted to apply for this position.
As COO, tell us more about what that role entails and what you’re looking forward to the most.
I see the role of Chief Operating Officer as working strategically with the MEMA board and the administrative team to keep this organization growing and moving forward, making sure our staff has all they need and continuing to leverage the relationships with our hospital partners.
I want to challenge the organization without disrupting what is already proven successful for them. I enjoy being part of a team and exploring options for change while respecting what has already been built. It’s fun to think outside the box and work strategically to help make something better. I enjoy that kind of work.
Can you share any long-term vision for MEMA as they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year?
Celebrating 50 years is quite an exciting thing to celebrate! I am looking forward to helping keep MEMA stable in an environment that is anything but. Gone are the days of doing what you’ve always done and hoping for it to continue to work. Healthcare is a fast-paced environment that constantly changes.
MEMA is a well-known and respected entity in Emergency Medicine, and we want to make sure we’re setting ourselves up to evaluate and pursue growth opportunities that come our way, and to be intentional in our evaluations that will lead the organization to continued success.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations?
In addition to being a member of Carolinas MGMA, I am also a member of the Emergency Department Practice Management Association (EDPMA).
What about the Charlotte area excites you?
Having grown up in and around Charlotte, it’s been great watching this city grow over the years. Not just as a city, but what we can offer our community through healthcare. We live in the Concord area and love seeing this area grow as well!
Do you have any Hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you?
I have two amazing kids (16 and 18) and spend most of my time watching them on the soccer field and/or tennis court. When I do have a free weekend (and when I retire), you will find me in the mountains. I love tennis and play as often as I can! And I am OK to admit how much I love spreadsheets, the more the better!