St. Bernards names new administrator for Five Rivers Medical Center

by George Jared ([email protected]) 2,016 views 

St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center in Pocahontas has selected Randy Barymon as the new hospital administrator on Wednesday (Dec. 1).

Barymon has spent the past 23 years working within the St. Bernards Healthcare system at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, beginning as a radiology transporter. He received his bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University in 2009, becoming a registered MRI Technologist.

He entered nursing in 2012 advancing to his floor’s nursing director the following year. Barymon then earned both a master’s degree in Management, Strategy, and Leadership as well as national certification for nurse executives from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Barymon joins St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center (FRMC) as the hospital recently marked 41 years at its current location in northwest Pocahontas.

“Pocahontas and surrounding Randolph County have a high regard for the healthcare they receive at St. Bernards Five Rivers,” Barymon said. “As the hospital’s new administrator, I look to maintain that confidence and build upon growth opportunities.”

Randy Barymon.

Barymon, a native of Mammoth Spring and lifelong Northeast Arkansas resident, said he’s thankful for the chance in his hometown region.

“I love it here. It’s home,” he said. “Randolph County has a bright future, and I appreciate St. Bernards’ commitment to it.”

St. Bernards Healthcare President and CEO Chris Barber said Barymon will excel in his new role.

“Randy is an exceptionally gifted individual, and his work ethic speaks for itself,” Barber said. “Because he’s worked in so many capacities—from support staff to direct patient care to administration—he has a unique perspective on what quality health services look like. Most importantly though, Randy is a great person and leader. St. Bernards Five Rivers could not be in better hands.”

Elsewhere, Barymon is a member and past president of the non-profit leadership and management training organization, Jonesboro Jaycees, and he has served as an associate member of the Northeast Arkansas District Fair Board.

FRMC first opened its doors on Oct. 23, 1950 as Randolph County Memorial Hospital. For 30 years, the hospital occupied the current location of Randolph County Nursing Home in Pocahontas. The hospital’s current facility opened in 1980 as the Randolph County Medical Center. In 2007, the name changed to Five Rivers Medical Center, ultimately becoming St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center in 2019 after St. Bernards Healthcare began leasing the facility.