Hope Cancer Resources CEO Brian Holt announces retirement after 31 years

Brian Holt, president and CEO of Hope Cancer Resources, will retire this year, concluding a 31-year career dedicated to serving cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas.

Under Holt’s leadership, the Springdale-based nonprofit provided comprehensive support to cancer patients and their families, offering services free of charge. After several years working in the accounting, banking and trucking industries, Holt joined Northwest Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (NARTI) in 1993 and later became president/CEO. In 2009, NARTI merged with H.O.P.E., Inc. to form Hope Cancer Resources, where Holt continued as president/CEO.

The organization has assisted thousands of people, no matter what medical facility their care was connected to, providing transportation, financial assistance, counseling and wellness services. All services are provided to patients and the community at no cost.

“We have provided a kind word or been a sympathetic, listening ear as patients and families have endured the inevitable challenges present in their cancer journeys,” Holt said. “To me, the most important part of our legacy at Hope Cancer Resources is that we care for people and are truly able to make their lives a little better.”

According to a news release, the organization’s staff has traveled more than 3 million miles to transport people to their appointments. It has also provided more than $7 million in financial assistance, including helping people in the region who desire treatment elsewhere.

In 2023 alone, Hope Cancer Resources connected with over 5,000 patients and provided $725,970 to assist with rent, mortgage, travel, gas cards, car payments, dental care, prescriptions and utilities. In addition, the organization provides counseling services and support groups. They transported 384 patients over 312,000 miles to appointments. Their wellness services help people in their survivorship, and tobacco cessation and prevention education programs help create a healthier community.

“Everything we provide is free of charge because we don’t want to add to the financial burden that somebody is facing,” Holt said. We help make people’s lives better at a time when their lives can be very difficult.”

Holt’s retirement marks a milestone for the organization, which relies on donations and fundraising events such as the annual Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction Gala, its signature event, and the Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope.

Bryan McDuffie, board chair, praised Holt’s dedication and contribution to the community.

“Brian definitely has a heart for all the cancer patients,” McDuffie said. “You can feel that when he’s in front of a group talking about what we do at Hope Cancer Resources. You can see Brian’s passion for the people, and really recognize his heart for helping people who are suffering and struggling to get through their cancer journey.”

In addition to his role at Hope Cancer Resources, Holt has been involved in various community organizations and received recognition for his leadership. He and his wife, Debbie, have five children and nine grandchildren.

SEARCH PROCESS
Holt said he plans to retire by the end of the year, but it could be sooner, depending on the timing of finding his successor and their start date.

“His commitment is to help during the transition process,” a spokesman said.

A nine-member search committee, including current and former board members, will oversee the formal search and interview process to hire the next chief executive. Candidates with degrees in business, healthcare administration, or related fields are preferred, though experience will also be considered. The ideal candidate should have five or more years of progressively enhanced management experience.

Kevin Pope, a retired diagnostic radiology specialist from The Breast Center, chairs the committee. They will solicit resumes and conduct interviews to select the new president and CEO by the end of May.

Pope noted that Holt’s agreement to help during the transition reflects his dedication to the organization’s success.

“Brian, as much as anybody else, wants to make sure that Hope Cancer Resources thrives when he’s gone, and not just thrives, but goes beyond what it is now,” Pope said. “With the growth of Northwest Arkansas, with the increase in population and increase in cancer burden that we’re seeing, this organization — to really fulfill its mission — is going to have to continue to grow as a nonprofit. In this line of work, we’ll never meet all the needs that are presented to us, but we want to continue to strive to do more because the need is great.”