After a five-month national search, UNC Health Blue Ridge announced today that Gary William Paxson, FACHE, of Batesville, Ark., will be the new President & CEO effective September 3, 2024.
Paxson brings more than 25 years of extensive healthcare experience, having demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to excellence throughout his career. He will begin his career with UNC Health Blue Ridge following the retirement of Kathy C. Bailey, who has been in leadership for nearly 19 years.
Since 2018, Paxson has served as President and CEO of the independently owned White River Health System in Batesville, a 224-bed licensed medical center located in North Central Arkansas, which employs 1,700. The system also includes a 25-bed critical access hospital, White River clinics, an employed group of 16 primary care clinics and 20 specialty clinics totaling more than 100 employed physicians and practitioners, and White River Health System Foundation. His tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments in employee engagement, business fundamentals, quality metrics, innovation, and growth. Under his leadership, the organization saw notable improvements in operational performance, patient satisfaction, and community engagement.
“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, which directly relate to the mission of healthcare — outstanding patient care; every patient, every time.”
Paxson said he and his wife, Jody, are excited about starting this new chapter in their lives and look forward to joining the Blue Ridge family.
Paxson holds a master’s degree in management of information systems with a concentration in healthcare administration from Bellevue University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Anthony College of Nursing. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Arkansas Healthcare Executive Forum and the Arkansas Hospital Association.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gary Paxson to our team,” said Mac McCrary, Chairman of the UNC Health Blue Ridge Board of Directors. “His proven track record of leadership and dedication to outstanding patient care aligns perfectly with our mission and values. We are confident that he will continue moving healthcare forward for our community.”
About UNC Health Blue Ridge
UNC Health Blue Ridge www.unchealthblueridge.org is a not-for-profit community healthcare system, providing advanced healthcare and wellness services from more than 40 locations across a three-county region of Western North Carolina. The system includes one hospital with two locations and a continuing care retirement community. Nearly 140 primary care physicians, physician specialists, and extenders in the Blue Ridge Medical Group combine with other physicians on the Medical Staff to serve patients in the region. UNC Health Blue Ridge provides graduate medical education programs for medical school graduates and students in allopathic and osteopathic medicine. UNCBR is affiliated with UNC Health System www.unchealthcare.org, a not-for-profit integrated healthcare system owned by the state of North Carolina and based in Chapel Hill.
Reviewed by Tony Glenn on July 24, 2024