NWA Council names Stefanie Pawluk to lead healthcare transformation division

The Northwest Arkansas Council announced Monday (Dec. 9) Stefanie Pawluk, MPH, as the executive director of its health care transformation division. She replaces Ryan Cork, who took a new role with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Northwest Arkansas.

Pawluk, who previously served as policy director for the Heartland Whole Health Institute, will oversee efforts to advance regional health care priorities, strengthen collaborations and improve health outcomes for the region.

“Stefanie’s extensive experience in health policy and her proven ability to foster partnerships across the health care ecosystem makes her the perfect choice to bring the Vision 2030 recommendations to life,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “We are excited to see her innovative approach to advancing health outcomes in Northwest Arkansas.”

Pawluk’s appointment comes as the Council begins implementing the findings of its recently released Vision 2030: Northwest Arkansas Health Care Report. The report outlines key recommendations for improving access to care, addressing disparities and expanding graduate medical education while positioning Northwest Arkansas as a leader in health care innovation.

As executive director, Pawluk will lead initiatives to advance value-based care, reduce outmigration for specialty care, enhance maternal and population health and establish the region as a health care destination.

Pawluk will join health care report author Paul Umbach on the Council’s quarterly speaker series Onward Ozarks at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16 to discuss the Vision 2030 report and the future of health care in Northwest Arkansas. Registration is available here.

In her role, Pawluk will collaborate with health care leaders, academic institutions, business executives and government officials to foster partnerships and build sustainable funding strategies. She will also oversee the health care transformation division’s strategic planning and execution efforts, ensuring the region’s Vision 2030 goals are realized.

With 15 years of experience in health policy and government relations, Pawluk has contributed to health care innovation from multiple perspectives, including state regulators, health systems, payers and purchasers.

Most recently, at the Heartland Whole Health Institute, she led the strategic development of public policy initiatives in support of both the Institute and Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, with a focus on value-based care, maternal health, population health and graduate medical education.

Her career also includes spearheading managed care advocacy for health systems at the Healthcare Association of New York State and co-authoring a $100 million State Innovation Model award through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center during her tenure at the New York State Department of Health.

“Stefanie’s expertise in payment innovation and health care reform will be instrumental in addressing the region’s health care challenges. I look forward to working with her to implement Vision 2030’s vision for a stronger, more accessible health care system in our community,” said Larry Shackelford, president and CEO of Washington Regional Medical System and chair of the Council’s health care transformation division.

Pawluk holds a master’s degree in health policy and management and a bachelor’s degree in English, both from the State University of New York at Albany.