BATESVILLE – 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.