Casey Willis named CEO of Saint Mary’s Regional Health System

Saint Mary’s Regional Health System, a Lifepoint Health hospital, announced that Casey Willis has been named its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective June 10. Willis comes to Saint Mary’s from National Park Medical Center (NPMC) located in Hot Springs.

"Casey is an exceptional leader whose dedication and expertise have consistently driven positive outcomes in every role she has undertaken," said Jen Alderfer, president of Lifepoint Health’s western division. "Her strategic vision and commitment to quality patient care make her the ideal choice to lead Saint Mary’s Regional Health System. I am confident that under her leadership, Saint Mary’s will continue to thrive and deliver outstanding healthcare services to our community,”

With over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector, Casey has demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational management, and strategic planning skills, all aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the communities she serves. At NPMC, she served as the chief operating officer (COO), overseeing various hospital departments and spearheading operational objectives, financial performance, and strategic planning. Prior to this, Casey served as associate administrator at North Alabama Medical Center, where she led significant projects, including the development of a COVID-19 infusion clinic and vaccination administration. Her extensive experience also includes her role as market director for Physician Services at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, where she successfully expanded physician services and managed financial operations.

"We are delighted to have Casey join the Saint Mary’s Regional Health System team," added Saint Mary’s board chairman, Judge Ben Cross. "Her dedication to quality healthcare and community well-being resonates with our mission of making communities healthier, and we are eager to see the positive impact she will make on our organization."

Willis earned a master’s degree from Martin Methodist College and a bachelor’s degree in management and human relations from Trevecca Nazarene University. She is an active member of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of Clothe Our Kids Lawrence County, and serves as a healthcare expert on the Federal Reserve Council for Arkansas.

"I am honored and excited to take on the role of CEO at Saint Mary’s Regional Health System," said Willis. " It has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team in my interim role, and I am excited to continue our journey together. My goal is to build on the excellent services that Saint Mary’s is known for and to explore new opportunities to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community. Together, we will continue to make significant strides in delivering exceptional healthcare."

About Saint Mary’s Regional Health System
A part of Lifepoint Health, Saint Mary’s Regional Health System is a170-bed acute care hospital with more than 100 active physicians and mid-level providers representing 18 specialties on the medical staff. Saint Mary’s offers a wide range of healthcare services, including a Level III Trauma Center and chest pain accredited Emergency Department, 3D mammography, Turning Point Behavioral Health Center, Cancer Center, labor and delivery services and inpatient rehabilitation. Accredited by the Joint Commission, Saint Mary’s is proud to serve the River Valley region with the mission of making communities healthier®