CoxHealth Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

CoxHealth has 8 executives leading key functions including marketing, information technology, operations, finance, and governmental relations.

Dedicated to advancing healthcare access, CoxHealth drives innovation and patient-centered care across Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas, impacting millions through its extensive network of hospitals and clinics.

Leadership Roles at CoxHealth

  • Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - David Strong
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Amanda Hedgpeth
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Aaron Prenger
  • Group President, Cox Medical - Timothy Jones
  • Associate Chief Marketing Officer - Thomas Trent
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Patrick Murfee
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, Governmental Relations - Theresa Coyan
  • Associate Chief Marketing Officer - James Ganus
  • David Strong - Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    David Strong, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at CoxHealth, directs the financial strategy and fiscal operations for the health system, ensuring its long-term economic viability and capacity to serve Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Strong oversees all financial planning, budgeting, revenue cycle management, and investment activities across CoxHealth's six hospitals and eighty clinics. This executive position is crucial for maintaining the financial health necessary to support patient care initiatives, technological advancements, and facility expansions. David Strong works closely with operational leaders to ensure financial discipline and optimize resource allocation, driving efficiency and profitability. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in navigating the complex financial landscape of the healthcare industry, securing the resources needed for CoxHealth to fulfill its mission of providing accessible, high-quality care.

    Amanda Hedgpeth - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Amanda Hedgpeth, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at CoxHealth, drives operational excellence and strategic growth across the health system's extensive network of facilities. Hedgpeth oversees the day-to-day management of CoxHealth's six hospitals and eighty clinics, ensuring efficient delivery of patient care and alignment with organizational objectives. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation, enhancing clinical workflows, and implementing best practices to improve patient outcomes and operational effectiveness throughout Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Amanda Hedgpeth collaborates closely with other executive leaders to develop and execute strategic initiatives that expand access to care and reinforce CoxHealth's commitment to community health. The Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures that all operational facets of the organization function cohesively to support the overarching mission of providing high-quality, accessible healthcare.

    Aaron Prenger - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Aaron Prenger, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at CoxHealth, drives operational excellence and strategic growth across the health system's extensive network of facilities. Prenger oversees the day-to-day management of CoxHealth's six hospitals and eighty clinics, ensuring efficient delivery of patient care and alignment with organizational objectives. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation, enhancing clinical workflows, and implementing best practices to improve patient outcomes and operational effectiveness throughout Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Aaron Prenger collaborates closely with other executive leaders to develop and execute strategic initiatives that expand access to care and reinforce CoxHealth's commitment to community health. The Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures that all operational facets of the organization function cohesively to support the overarching mission of providing high-quality, accessible healthcare.

    Timothy Jones - Group President, Cox Medical

    Timothy Jones, the Group President, Cox Medical at CoxHealth, leads strategic oversight and operational direction for key medical groups within the health system, ensuring integrated and high-quality patient care across its service region. Jones directs the performance and growth of multiple Cox Medical entities, focusing on clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, and financial stewardship. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration among physicians and clinical staff to advance patient-centered care models and expand service offerings throughout Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Timothy Jones works to align the strategic objectives of the medical groups with the broader mission of CoxHealth, driving innovation in healthcare delivery. The Group President's focus is on enhancing the patient experience and ensuring the continued success and accessibility of CoxHealth's medical services.

    Thomas Trent - Associate Chief Marketing Officer

    Thomas Trent, the Associate Chief Marketing Officer at CoxHealth, directs strategic marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and patient engagement across the organization's expansive service area. Trent oversees the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns, focusing on digital outreach and community relations to support CoxHealth's mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare. This role involves close collaboration with clinical leadership and operational teams to ensure marketing efforts align with service line growth and patient acquisition goals. By analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, Trent identifies opportunities to strengthen CoxHealth's position as a leading healthcare provider in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. The Associate Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent brand messaging across all platforms, driving patient loyalty and supporting the overall growth objectives of the health system.

    Patrick Murfee - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Patrick Murfee, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at CoxHealth, architects and executes the organization's comprehensive information technology strategy, ensuring robust digital infrastructure to support patient care and operational efficiency. Murfee directs the implementation of advanced health information systems, cybersecurity measures, and data analytics platforms critical for a healthcare system serving a 25-county region. This leadership position involves overseeing all IT operations, from network management to electronic health record systems, ensuring seamless data flow and compliance with healthcare regulations. By driving technological innovation, Patrick Murfee enhances clinical decision-making, improves patient safety, and optimizes resource allocation across CoxHealth's six hospitals and eighty clinics. The Chief Information Officer's focus remains on leveraging technology to advance the organization's mission and expand its reach throughout Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas.

    Theresa Coyan - Chief of Staff & Vice President, Governmental Relations

    Theresa Coyan, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Governmental Relations at CoxHealth, serves as a key liaison between the organization and governmental bodies, advocating for policies that support healthcare access and delivery. Coyan directs strategic initiatives to influence legislative and regulatory landscapes, ensuring CoxHealth's operational and financial health within its 25-county service region. This role involves cultivating relationships with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to advance the organization's mission and address the healthcare needs of Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Theresa Coyan also provides high-level support to the executive leadership team, facilitating strategic planning and ensuring alignment across departments. The Vice President, Governmental Relations champions CoxHealth's interests, driving policy outcomes that enhance patient care and organizational sustainability.

    James Ganus - Associate Chief Marketing Officer

    James Ganus, the Associate Chief Marketing Officer at CoxHealth, directs strategic marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and patient engagement across the organization's expansive service area. Ganus oversees the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns, focusing on digital outreach and community relations to support CoxHealth's mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare. This role involves close collaboration with clinical leadership and operational teams to ensure marketing efforts align with service line growth and patient acquisition goals. By analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, James Ganus identifies opportunities to strengthen CoxHealth's position as a leading healthcare provider in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. The Associate Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent brand messaging across all platforms, driving patient loyalty and supporting the overall growth objectives of the health system.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitals & Physicians Clinics

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CoxHealth Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CoxHealth?
    CoxHealth is led by David Strong (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Amanda Hedgpeth (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Aaron Prenger (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of CoxHealth’s executive team?
    The executive team of CoxHealth includes leaders such as David Strong (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer), Amanda Hedgpeth (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Aaron Prenger (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CoxHealth have?
    CoxHealth has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CoxHealth’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CoxHealth includes roles such as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Group President, Cox Medical, Associate Chief Marketing Officer.