PBRMC announces new CEO
5/13/2021
POPLAR BLUFF, MO May 13, 2021 – We are pleased to announce that Rick Naegler has accepted the chief executive officer position at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, effective June 14, 2021.
Rick is a seasoned healthcare leader and began his career as a flight medic. He currently serves as chief executive officer for HCA-affiliated Lake City Medical Center in Lake City, FL where he has also served as chief nursing officer. Throughout his career, Rick has been acutely focused on enhancing quality of care and employee engagement, increasing patient satisfaction and growing hospital services. Under his leadership, the hospital ranks first among all HCA-affiliated hospitals in emergency department metrics and 16th in patient satisfaction out of over 180 facilities. Rick has recruited physicians and gained extensive knowledge and understanding of physician practices, as well as the importance of a strong, positive relationship between our medical staff and our hospital.
In addition to his experience leading effective and efficient operations, Rick’s extensive background as a staff nurse and chief nursing officer has given him a deep understanding and commitment to creating an environment that supports patient and employee satisfaction.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to work with and support the employees and medical staff by joining an organization with a clear commitment to patients, employees and the community as a whole. I am eager to join them in their mission to provide safe, compassionate and quality care by driving a culture that creates an environment that promotes being the healthcare and employer leader in our service area," said Naegler.
Rick is a Missouri native and received his nursing degree at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, and earned both his bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and his MHA in healthcare administration at Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE. He has been an active member in the communities he has served and looks forward to becoming involved in the philanthropic and civic endeavors of Poplar Bluff and surrounding communities.
“Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is at the forefront of everything a community-driven hospital should be by focusing on providing compassionate, safe and quality care close to home. Naegler will be a true asset in furthering those efforts,” said Phil Santie, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center board of trustees chair.
We extend sincere appreciation to Chris Jones for serving as interim CEO. Chris will continue in that role until Rick joins next month. Please join us in welcoming Rick to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center team.
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