Northeast Missouri Health Council announces leadership updates to support strategic growth and clinical excellence

Dr. Brent Speak Dr. Matthew Tilton

Northeast Missouri Health Council (NMHC) announced a strategic leadership transition designed to strengthen the organization’s clinical leadership and expand its impact across the communities it serves. Effective May 1, Dr. Brent Speak will shift focus to leading external partnerships and strategic initiatives, while Dr. Matthew Tilton will step into the role of medical director.

“These leadership changes reflect both the growth of our organization and our commitment to advancing innovative, sustainable models of care — particularly in rural obstetrics,” said Andy Grimm, CEO.

Dr. Brent Speak to lead external partnerships and rural OB transformation efforts

Speak has played a vital leadership role within NMHC, contributing significantly to the organization’s clinical excellence, community trust, and mission-driven growth. A board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Speak has served as NMHC’s Medical Director since 2012 and has been a practicing OB/GYN in Kirksville since 2009.

Throughout his tenure, Speak has led clinical protocol development, provider credentialing, and organizational policy, while also maintaining an active practice caring for both low- and high-risk obstetric patients. His leadership extends beyond NMHC, including service in key hospital leadership roles such as Vice-Chief of Staff and Chair of the Perinatal Department at Northeast Regional Medical Center, as well as academic appointments with A.T. Still University.

In his new focus, Speak will dedicate his efforts to cultivating and strengthening external partnerships that advance rural health care delivery — most notably the transformation of obstetric (OB) services across the region — while continuing to maintain his full practice at OB/GYN Specialty Group.

This role will include collaboration with hospital systems, public health entities, academic partners, policymakers, and community stakeholders to expand access, improve outcomes, and build innovative care models tailored to the unique needs of rural populations.

“Dr. Speak’s vision, credibility, and deep commitment to rural communities position him perfectly to champion this work,” said Grimm. “His leadership will help move our OB strategy forward in ways that benefit patients, providers, and communities alike.”

Speak’s shift is not a departure from leadership, but a natural evolution — placing his strengths in strategy, relationship-building, and innovation at the forefront of the organization’s next phase of growth.

Dr. Matthew Tilton appointed medical director

With this transition, NMHC announced Dr. Matthew Tilton as its new medical director.

Tilton brings a strong foundation in primary care, clinical leadership, and community engagement. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Family Medicine residency in Salina, Kansas, where he trained in a community-based program with a strong emphasis on full-spectrum family medicine, rural health, and team-based care.

Before becoming a physician, Tilton built a career as a board-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist, serving in both clinical and leadership roles and as an adjunct instructor in medical laboratory science — experience that contributes to his systems-based approach to patient care and quality improvement.

A National Health Service Corps Scholar and current ambassador, Tilton has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving rural and underserved populations. His involvement in community initiatives, volunteer work, and primary care advocacy reflects a deep alignment with NMHC’s mission.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, clinical expertise, and dedication to patient-centered care, Tilton is well-positioned to lead NMHC’s clinical operations while supporting providers and care teams across the organization.

“Dr. Tilton is a trusted leader among his peers and a strong advocate for both patients and clinical teams,” said Grimm. “His experience and approach make him exceptionally well-suited to guide our clinical operations moving forward.”

A unified vision for the future

This leadership evolution reflects NMHC’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful succession planning, provider leadership development, and long-term sustainability. Both physicians will continue to work closely together, ensuring continuity and collaboration.

“These changes are about placing the right leaders in the right roles at the right time,” said Grimm. “Dr. Speak and Dr. Tilton each bring distinct strengths that, together, position our organization to continue delivering high-quality, accessible care while boldly shaping the future of rural health.”