Baptist Health Executive and Leadership Team

Allen Smith, the Chief Financial Officer at Baptist Health, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic strategy of the entire medical system. Smith oversees capital allocation, budgeting, and revenue cycle management for hospitals, diagnostic centers, and physician practices. By monitoring financial performance across all service lines, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of essential healthcare operations. Allen Smith directs the financial planning necessary to support the expansion of urgent care clinics and home care services. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of operational costs and investment in medical technology to maintain a competitive market position. Through prudent fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer provides the resources required for the system to deliver high-quality care. Smith collaborates with the executive team to align financial goals with the mission of improving patient outcomes and expanding access to medical services throughout the region.

Pamela Starnes, the Admin To Chief Financial Officer at Baptist Health, facilitates the administrative operations and executive support functions for the financial department. Starnes manages complex scheduling, documentation, and communication workflows that enable the Chief Financial Officer to focus on high-level fiscal strategy. By organizing critical financial reports and board materials, the Admin To Chief Financial Officer ensures that the leadership team remains informed and prepared for strategic decision-making. Pamela Starnes coordinates interactions between the finance department and other operational units, ensuring that administrative processes support the broader goals of the health system. This role requires exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage sensitive information regarding the financial health of hospitals and clinics. Through efficient administrative management, Starnes supports the overall productivity of the executive team, allowing for the seamless execution of financial initiatives across the entire organization.

Taylor Danna, the President, Arkansas Market (South) at Baptist Health, oversees the strategic direction and operational performance of all facilities within the southern region. Danna manages the integration of hospitals, physician practices, and outpatient clinics to ensure consistent service delivery across the market. By focusing on regional growth, the President, Arkansas Market (South) identifies opportunities to expand access to specialized care and diagnostic services. Taylor Danna coordinates with local leadership to address the specific healthcare needs of the southern population. This role involves driving operational excellence and ensuring that all facilities adhere to the high standards of the health system. Through strategic regional management, the President, Arkansas Market (South) strengthens the presence of the organization and improves patient outcomes in the area. Danna supports the overall mission by ensuring that the southern market remains a vital component of the broader health system.

Clint Kaho, the Interim President at Baptist Health, provides executive leadership and maintains organizational stability during the current transition period. Kaho oversees the strategic alignment of all hospitals, outpatient facilities, and physician practices to ensure continuity of care. By facilitating communication between the board and the executive team, the Interim President ensures that the mission of the health system remains the primary focus. Clint Kaho directs the implementation of key initiatives and monitors the performance of all departments to maintain operational standards. This role involves addressing immediate challenges while preparing the organization for long-term success. Through steady leadership, the Interim President supports the entire staff in delivering high-quality medical services to the community. Kaho ensures that the system continues to function effectively, maintaining the trust of patients and stakeholders while guiding the organization toward its future objectives.

Ashish Patel, the Chief of Staff at Baptist Health, coordinates executive workflows and aligns administrative priorities with the broader mission of the health system. Patel manages internal communications and facilitates decision-making processes across the various hospitals and outpatient facilities. By streamlining operational directives, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership initiatives translate into effective clinical and administrative outcomes. Ashish Patel maintains oversight of organizational projects, ensuring that all departments adhere to the high standards of care established by the system. This role requires constant collaboration with the C-suite to address complex challenges within the healthcare landscape. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff supports the long-term stability of the organization, fostering an environment where medical professionals can focus on delivering exceptional patient care while maintaining operational efficiency across the entire network.

Michael Epley, the Chief Information Officer at Baptist Health, directs the digital infrastructure and data security protocols essential for a modern, full-spectrum health system. Epley oversees the integration of electronic health records across hospitals, physician practices, and urgent care clinics to ensure seamless information flow. By architecting robust cybersecurity frameworks, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive patient data while enabling advanced diagnostic capabilities. Michael Epley drives the adoption of innovative health technologies that improve clinical workflows and patient engagement. This leadership role involves managing large-scale IT projects that support the expansion of outpatient services and home care initiatives. Through the implementation of scalable software solutions, Epley enhances the operational capacity of the entire system. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technological advancements remain aligned with the core mission of providing accessible, high-quality medical services to the community.

Thomas Milko, the Chief Marketing Officer at Baptist Health, architects the brand strategy and public outreach initiatives for the entire health system. Milko manages the communication of service offerings, including surgery centers, physical therapy clinics, and occupational medicine programs, to diverse patient populations. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer identifies opportunities to expand the reach of outpatient facilities and physician practices. Thomas Milko develops comprehensive campaigns that highlight the commitment to patient-centered care and community health. This role requires close coordination with clinical leadership to ensure that marketing messaging accurately reflects the quality of care provided across all locations. Through strategic positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the reputation of the organization within the competitive healthcare market. Milko drives growth by effectively communicating the value of the full-spectrum services offered by the system to patients and stakeholders alike.

Gregory Sharp, the Group Chief Marketing Officer, Arkansas Health at Baptist Health, leads targeted outreach efforts specifically focused on the regional market presence. Sharp develops localized strategies to promote physician practices and outpatient services within the Arkansas footprint. By analyzing regional healthcare needs, the Group Chief Marketing Officer, Arkansas Health identifies key areas for service growth and community engagement. Gregory Sharp coordinates with local hospital leadership to ensure that marketing initiatives effectively support the specific needs of the regional patient base. This role involves crafting messaging that resonates with local communities while maintaining the overarching brand identity of the health system. Through data-driven marketing tactics, the Group Chief Marketing Officer, Arkansas Health increases awareness of specialized diagnostic and surgery centers. Sharp drives patient acquisition and retention by highlighting the accessibility and quality of care provided by the regional facilities.

David Shenker, the Chief Medical Officer at Baptist Health, directs clinical quality, patient safety, and medical standards across all hospitals and outpatient facilities. Shenker oversees the performance of physician practices and ensures that clinical protocols align with evidence-based medicine. By leading medical staff initiatives, the Chief Medical Officer fosters a culture of excellence in patient care and diagnostic accuracy. David Shenker collaborates with the executive team to integrate new medical technologies and treatment modalities into the system. This role involves monitoring clinical outcomes and implementing improvements to enhance the quality of care provided in surgery centers and urgent care clinics. Through strategic clinical leadership, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the organization meets the highest standards of healthcare delivery. Shenker drives the continuous improvement of medical services, ensuring that the system remains a leader in patient health and safety.

Wade Smith, the Chief Operations Officer at Baptist Health, manages the day-to-day operational efficiency of the entire health system, including hospitals and outpatient diagnostic centers. Smith oversees the logistics of patient flow, facility management, and resource allocation to ensure optimal service delivery. By streamlining operational processes, the Chief Operations Officer improves the productivity of physician practices and urgent care clinics. Wade Smith directs the implementation of standardized operational procedures that enhance the quality of care and patient experience across all locations. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to address operational challenges and drive performance improvements. Through effective management of physical and human resources, the Chief Operations Officer supports the growth and sustainability of the system. Smith ensures that all operational activities remain aligned with the mission of providing accessible, high-quality medical services to the community.