Sam Ayres has been named vice president of operations for MercyOne Medical Group – Central Iowa, one of Iowa’s largest multispecialty clinic systems. Ayres has more than 30 years of experience at MercyOne Iowa Heart Center, most recently as market director, clinic operations. As a member of MercyOne Central Iowa leadership, Ayres will oversee short and long-range planning in collaboration with physicians and clinical colleagues. He will have direct responsibility for guiding improvements in operations, quality, patient satisfaction and colleague engagement, as well as expanding services and access to care for the 50-clinic system. Ayres is a board-certified member of the American College of Medical Practice Executives. He has a business degree from William Penn University and an MBA from Iowa State University.