Arkansas exec to lead UNC Health Blue Ridge

A health systems leader from Arkansas has been tabbed to be the new President and CEO of UNC Health Blue Ridge.

Gary Paxson will assume his new duties on Tuesday, Sept. 3, the day after Labor Day. He will replace the retiring Kathy Bailey, who has been with UNC Health Blue Ridge for nearly 19 years.

Announcement of Paxson’s selection as the new hospital chief was made this morning by Mac McCrary, chairman of the UNC Health Blue Ridge Board of Directors.

“I am excited to announce that Gary Paxson, a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives, will be joining us as the new President & CEO of UNC Health Blue Ridge on Sept. 3,” McCrary said in a press release.

“Gary brings more than 25 years of diverse healthcare experience, with a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and commitment to outstanding patient care,” McCrary continued.

Paxson currently serves as President and CEO of White River Health System in Batesville, Ark. Under his leadership, McCrary noted, White River Health System achieved improvements in employee engagement, business operations, quality metrics, and community engagement.

“Gary’s leadership style emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and excellence, which aligns perfectly with our mission and values at UNC Health Blue Ridge,” McCrary said.

“His extensive experience and visionary approach will be instrumental in continuing to guide our health care system forward as the regional hub for western North Carolina,” McCrary concluded.

“I am honored to join UNC Health Blue Ridge and excited to work with such a dedicated team,” said Paxson. “I am passionate about the pursuit of excellence in all tasks assigned with direct relation back to the mission of health care — outstanding patient care; every patient, every time.”

Paxson holds a master’s degree in management of information systems with a healthcare administration concentration from Bellevue University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

White River Health (WRH) is an acute care, multi-facility, not-for-profit, regional referral center serving North Central Arkansas since 1976, In 2022, the system had nearly 2,000 employees.