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WRHS CEO to retire Dec. 31, successor named

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White River Health System’s (WRHS) board of directors and CEO Gary Bebow have announced Bebow’s retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2018, according to a press release. Bebow has served as the system’s CEO since January 1991, completing almost 28 years of leadership.

Bebow.jpgGary Bebow with WRHS / Image via WRHS

During Bebow’s tenure, his vision and expertise guided WRHS through exponential growth in admissions, financial performance, facility development, physician recruitment, and employment. Today, WRHS includes two hospitals, outpatient care centers, Arkansas’s first satellite emergency room, rural health, primary care, specialty clinics, and senior life centers.

For the past eight months, WRHS has overseen the transition in leadership by forming a Succession Planning Committee with the goals of assuring a smooth transition and selecting the best person to follow Bebow. At its Aug. 28 board meeting, the WRHS board named Gary Paxson, WRHS CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2019. During the transition, Paxson, successor CEO, will assume immediate responsibility for system reporting and organizational leadership responsibilities.

PaxsonGary Paxson, successor CEO, at WRHS / Image via WRHS

“Gary Paxson has demonstrated his leadership ability to the board to lead White River Health System in the future,” said Boris Dover, chairman of the WRHS board of directors. “On behalf of the board, I want to express my appreciation to Mr. Bebow and Mr. Paxson for their exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing healthcare in this region.”

In January 2019, Bebow will continue to serve WRHS as an advisor to Paxson and the WRHS board of directors. “I’ve enjoyed my career at WRHS and very much appreciate the support and guidance of the WRHS board of directors, medical community, management, employees, volunteers, and communities throughout our service area. Gary Paxson is a capable, proven leader, and I’m confident in his ability to advance WRHS into the future.”

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Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. and Ozark Newsline on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ93 KZLE, and other W.R.D. Entertainment radio stations. If you have a news tip or event to promote, email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com.

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