Forty Under 40: Donna Malone

Donna Malone left her job as a physician recruiter two days before she started work as an assistant administrator at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital in June, 2000. More than a year later, she’s still too busy staffing the new niche hospital to reflect much on the transition.

“It’s one thing when you move a facility,” 33-year-old Malone said. “It’s another when you create it. We started from scratch.”

After opening in February, Willow Creek now employs 130 people, 100 of whom are full time. Malone said she is proud that the new company’s roster is almost full, especially considering the tight labor market in Northwest Arkansas.

A native of Batesville, Malone graduated from Lyon College with a bachelor’s degree in business management.

She also worked at the town’s White River Medical Center. There, she fulfilled human resource requirements for 900-1,300 people.

At Willow Creek, Malone coordinates business development, human resources and marketing. She is also coordinating the volunteer program for the hospital. The organization includes establishing bylaws and writing job descriptions.