C-Suite: Eric Pianalto

Achievements: Member of Mercy’s leadership team for more than two decades, and was named chief executive in 2013; prior to that, he was chief operating officer of Mercy Clinic in Arkansas and Oklahoma; board member for Arvest Bank and Ronald McDonald House Charities; past chairman of Tontitown Grape Festival.

What is it that drives you in your career? I started my career in manufacturing, not healthcare, and even when I took my first healthcare job in 1991 my intent was to go back into leadership in a manufacturing environment at some point. The reason that I never left healthcare was that I had the opportunity to visibly help people through the day-to-day work I did along with many other passionate people to impact the lives and health in a community that I was serving. That passion drove me to stay in healthcare and that same passion drives me 26 years later.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career thus far? To have the opportunity to take on the hospital president role in the hospital I was born, and in my home community of Northwest Arkansas.

Last book you read? “The Whistler,” by John Grisham

What was your first job? At the age of 10 working in the grape vineyards and fruit farms in Tontitown for $0.25 per hour.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working? Spend time with my family, and when time allows, play golf.