Arkansas Children’s Northwest names new chief administrator 

Arkansas Children’s has named Shannon Hendrix as the next chief administrator for the regional hospital in Springdale. She follows Trish Montague, who is assuming an interim role pending her retirement in 2021.

Hendrix will begin her role at Arkansas Children’s Northwest on Dec. 14 and work with Montague over the next few months. Hendrix’s experience at Arkansas Children’s includes leadership responsibilities in areas ranging from clinical operations, such as radiology and laboratory, to the social support services at the heart of delivering family-centered care, including social work. She most recently served as vice president of clinical and diagnostic services for Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“Shannon has overseen, with notable success, essential clinical services and operations key to the continued growth of Arkansas Children’s Northwest,” Montague said. “She is a passionate advocate for children who knows how to run, and more importantly, grow the operations and services of a full-service hospital that is part of our state’s only pediatric health system.”

Her promotion to lead the hospital, which served more than 31,000 patients in the previous fiscal year, is part of a succession planning effort by Arkansas Children’s leaders to ensure Northwest Arkansas operations grow and evolve to match the area’s needs.

“Arkansas Children’s Northwest has exceeded expectations at every turn – all because of a devoted team, focused leadership and an amazingly supportive community,” Hendrix said. “I am honored to join ACNW as we continue to grow into the pediatric destination of choice.  I firmly believe every child deserves a children’s hospital designed, built and tailored to the needs of children and families.”

She joined Arkansas Children’s in 2013. Hendrix is a registered dietitian and she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nutrition from the University of Central Arkansas.

Montague plans to retire in 2021, capping a 43-year career in pediatric health. She oversaw ACNW through its design and debut. Between mid-December and her pending retirement, she will serve as the interim chief operating officer for the entire health system.