Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Orthopaedic Group

Healthcare was arguably the industry most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did providers have to treat people infected with the virus, but they also had to continue treating patients for other conditions. As administrator at barely 30 years old, Andrew Lovewell had to figure out how to keep patients, doctors, and staff safe at The Surgical Center at Columbia Orthopaedic Group (COG).  

Not only did he run a tight ship, but The Surgical Center was named the seventh-best ambulatory surgery center in the country and number one in Missouri on Newsweek’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2021 list. It’s no wonder Columbia Orthopaedic Group put Andrew at its helm in 2022.  

“In the world of unstable times, especially in healthcare, he can lead this business and stabilize what we do here,” says Dr. Bus Tarbox, COG president. “During his tenure as CEO, we have expanded the numbers of partners and we have developed outreach clinics in other communities. His foresight in doing this allows us to reach more people in the area to provide great care.” 

Of course, people are at the heart of any healthcare organization. And Andrew keeps that front and center while running this one.  

“I am extremely passionate about doing the right thing for our patients,” Andrew says. “Always putting patient interest and care over alternative goals is a necessity to me. Healthcare is a completely different business than others. We have to do the right thing by those that we serve every day to continue to build on our reputation and quality.” 

Dr. Mark Adams, former COG president, says he’s “amazed by” Andrew’s “ability to move our large organization forward so quickly.” But then, again, Andrew has moved himself far forward in a short time.  

“Andrew Lovewell combines the unique qualities of excellent leadership, business entrepreneurship and knowledge, strong character, and honorable values,” Mark says. “He is an outstanding professional and equally outstanding person, husband, and father.” 

Andrew credits his mom for cultivating his driving force to excel, and his wife and kids for motivating him every day.  

Andrew adds, “My life principles and guiding values are pretty simple. It really comes down to living life in a way that the future you would look back on and be proud of.” 

Age: 34 

Fun Fact:

Andrew’s younger self was a drag racer who also built cars.