Bill Bradley to retire from Washington Regional next year

Officials at Washington Regional Medical System in Fayetteville announced Thursday (Nov. 17) that Bill Bradley, the organization’s longest-serving chief executive officer, will retire in November next year.

Bradley was previously CEO of Northwest Health System Inc. before taking the same job at Washington Regional in 2004.

“My tenure at Washington Regional has been the most gratifying and fulfilling time of my career,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to another year of growth and success. I am truly a blessed person.”

Bradley, a North Little Rock native, graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1975. Before becoming CEO of Northwest Health in 2000, he held leadership positions at Three Rivers Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo., St. Mary’s Hospital in Russellville and Tenant Health Care in Little Rock.

“Bill Bradley is a very talented leader who possesses insightful business and healthcare knowledge, an accessible communication style laced with wit and compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of Washington Regional and the healthcare needs of this community,” Greg Lee, chairman of the Washington Regional board of directors, said in a news release. “The board of directors has been extremely proud of all the accomplishments that Bill and his team have achieved. Bill will be difficult to replace, but our next CEO will inherit a very vibrant healthcare system.”