Forty Under 40: Eric J. Pianalto

A Tontitown native, Eric J. Pianalto, 37, landed close to home.

Pianalto, who now lives in Springdale, has made a career in medical administration. He heads up the Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas with 64 physicians in 13 locations serving about 1,000 patients a day.

He earned a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas and worked for Heekin Can Inc. in Columbus, Ind., until 1991. After that, he took a job in Rogers at the Family and Occupational Clinic and went to work for St. Edwards Hospital in Fort Smith in 1994. Three years later he was back in Rogers working for Mercy Health System.

In April of last year, he became Mercys chief administrative officer.

Pianalto is a past chairman of the Tontitown Grape Festival and a past president and continued member of the Arkansas Medical Managers Association and serves on an advisory committee for the Arkansas State Medical Board Association. He was also recently appointed to the board of Simmons Bank.

Pianalto said his father, Leonard Pianalto, influenced his career the most. He admired his fathers drive and dedication and the way he treated people.