White River Health (WRH) President and CEO Gary Paxson announced his
resignation from the organization to pursue another career opportunity. Paxson, who has served
as the CEO since 2018, will leave the organization later next month after a transition of
responsibilities occurs. Paxson first joined the organization in 2012 as the Chief Information
Officer and held various other executive roles in the organization until being selected as CEO in
2018. “We are grateful for Gary’s service and contributions at WRH. We are particularly
grateful for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we wish Gary well in his next
venture,” stated Kevin Rose, Chairman of the WRH Board of Directors.
“The decision to accept a new position was not an easy one. The leadership, staff, and
community were very welcoming to our family, and we will forever be grateful for the
opportunities we experienced in Batesville,
” said Paxson. “WRH is a wonderful organization
which I have had the privilege to serve for 12 years. I am confident that the dedicated board,
leaders, and staff will continue to work diligently to serve local communities for years to come.”
The Board of Directors has selected Dr. Chris Steel to serve as the interim CEO as a search
begins for a new CEO. Dr. Steel has served as the Director of Anesthesia since joining WRH in
2011. During his tenure at WRH, Dr. Steel has also served as Chief of Staff and Chief Medical
Officer. Chairman Rose stated, “We are pleased that Dr. Steel has agreed to serve as the interim
CEO of WRH. Dr. Steel’s roots are deep within the organization, as he was born at WRH and
later returned to the organization to practice medicine. During his time at WRH, he has always
stepped up when called upon and will carefully guide the organization and staff during this
transition period.”
Chairman Rose went on to add, “WRH has been the leader of the healthcare needs of our
communities and neighbors since 1976, and the nearly 1700 individuals who work for the
organization deliver quality care and improve the health of those that we serve. That mission to
provide quality healthcare continues as we carefully look to select the next leader of our
impressive team at WRH.”
White River Health (WRH) is an independent, not-for-profit healthcare system serving residents
throughout North Central Arkansas. White River Health includes White River Medical Center in
Batesville, Stone County Medical Center in Mountain View, outpatient facilities, primary care,
and specialty physician office practices. WRH is a member of the Premier Alliance, the
American Hospital Association, and the Arkansas Hospital Association and licensed by the
Arkansas Department of Health.
