Washington Regional makes 3 leadership changes

Fayetteville-based Washington Regional Medical System said Friday (May 1) that it has promoted three of the organization’s leaders to C-suite positions.

Cindy Jo Allen, vice president and assistant chief operating officer, has been promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer. Rebecca Cowie, assistant chief nursing officer, has been promoted to chief nursing officer. Tom Olmstead, general counsel and senior vice president, has been promoted to executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel.

In April, Larry Shackelford, president and CEO of Washington Regional Medical System, said he will retire May 31. Dr. Lucas Campbell, senior vice president of clinical enterprise and strategy, was named the president and CEO.

According to a news release, the three new leadership changes are part of “a broader effort to align the organization for continued success and ensure it remains well-positioned to deliver on its mission of improving the health of the communities it serves through compassionate, high-quality care, prevention and wellness education.”

In her new role, Allen will oversee daily operations across the organization. She has more than 18 years of experience in the health care industry in nursing leadership, process improvement and hospital administration.

Cowie joined Washington Regional in 2012 as a clinical nurse specialist for the critical care and emergency department units. She’s led teams across various specialties.

She was instrumental in developing the Stroke Program at Washington Regional, according to the hospital. She worked as a director of critical care, neuroprogressive and neurosurgical ICU.

Olmstead was general counsel for Washington Regional since 2000. In his

expanded role, he will be responsible for Washington Regional’s legal work and services, near and long-term strategic planning, operational alignment, human resources, risk management and governance work.

“These promotions reflect the depth and commitment of leadership within our organization,” Campbell said. “I am excited for these mission-driven leaders to continue to expand their influence on our people, our organization and our vision.”

Washington Regional operates a 425-bed medical center, two multi-specialty surgical centers, five Centers of Excellence and 40 clinic locations throughout northern and Northwest Arkansas. The organization has more than 3,600 employees.