Dan McKay, CEO of Northwest Health System, is leaving his post of five years to take over as the new CEO of Sparks Health System in Fort Smith.
“It is bittersweet to leave Northwest Health System after how much has been accomplished together with our physicians and employees,” McKay said. “This role has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and I am confident that the momentum created over the past five years will continue and even grow.”
McKay joined Northwest in 2010 and immediately began work to develop collaborative relationships with physicians on the medical staff. He worked to help recruit 100 doctors to the system’s medical staff and oversaw the opening of 20 new clinics. The system also expanded and opened several new services, including a stroke program with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, a hospitalist program, telemedicine at Bentonville and Springdale, and a new emergency department in Springdale. Springdale was also the first hospital in Northwest Arkansas to receive chest pain accreditation, which was soon followed by Bentonville.
“Of all the ways Dan made Northwest a better place, the most important were the stability he brought and the foundation he has laid for future success,” said Linda Maeinschein, Chairman, Northwest Health System Board of Trustees. “The achievements we’ve made during his tenure have positioned us for a successful future and we are grateful for the position we are in because of his leadership.”
The search for a new CEO will begin immediately to identify the right candidate to lead Northwest Health System and serve this community.