(MORRILTON, ARK.) – St. Vincent Health System today announced the appointment of Leslie “Bubba” Arnold as the new CEO/Administrator of St. Vincent Morrilton effective Monday, Aug. 20, 2012.
“Bubba is a solid, well-respected, and accomplished operational leader with more than thirty years of progressively responsible experience at St. Vincent,” said Peter D. Banko, President and CEO of St. Vincent Health System. “He will bring a passion for health care, a focus on the patient, a willingness to actively engage physicians, and a commitment to community to St. Vincent Morrilton.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the healing ministry at St. Vincent. I look forward to working with the board, physicians, staff, and volunteers at St. Vincent Morrilton. It is our sacred responsibility to carry on the long tradition of excellence,” Arnold said. “I’m also excited about developing relationships in and around Morrilton and building on the support that the community has given St. Vincent over the years,” Arnold added.
Arnold most recently served as Vice President of Operations for St. Vincent Health System. In addition to his role as VP of Operations, Arnold has served as administrative director of operations, director of pharmaceutical services, and staff pharmacist. His education includes earning a Master of Arts in Health Services Management from Webster University and a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he received the Faculty Gold Key in recognition of graduating at the top of his class.
He is active in community organizations including the Little Rock Executive Association, Leadership Greater Little Rock, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, and the Arkansas Pharmacists Association.
St. Vincent Health System, founded in 1888, is one of Arkansas’ leading health systems. St. Vincent Infirmary, an acute care facility, licensed for 615 beds, located in Little Rock, serves as the hub of the health system. Other St. Vincent hospitals include St. Vincent North, licensed for 69 beds, in Sherwood; St. Vincent Morrilton, a critical access hospital in Morrilton, licensed for 25 beds; and St. Vincent West; an outpatient campus in west Little Rock. The system also includes a network of primary care clinics, and affiliations with more than 650 physicians. St. Vincent is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national Catholic health system with headquarters in Denver. CHI operates in 19 states and includes 76 hospitals; 40 long-term care, assisted- and residential-living facilities; two community health services organizations; two accredited nursing colleges; and a national home health agency.
