A new chief executive officer will take the helm of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in June.
Rick Naegler will come to Poplar Bluff from Lake City, Florida, where he is CEO of the HCA-affiliated Lake City Medical Center, hospital officials said in a press release.
“We are pleased to announce that Rick Naegler has accepted the chief executive officer (position) at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, effective June 14,” according to a press release. “Rick is a seasoned healthcare leader and began his career as a flight medic.”
Naegler has also served as chief nursing officer at the Florida facility.
“Throughout his career, Rick has been acutely focused on enhancing quality of care and employee engagement, increasing patient satisfaction and growing hospital services,” officials said. “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.”
Naegler has recruited physicians and gained knowledge and understanding of physician practices, as well as the importance of a strong, positive relationship between medical staff and the hospital, they said.
In addition to his experience leading effective and efficient operations, Naegler’s background as a staff nurse and chief nursing officer has given him an 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,” said Naegler. “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 health care and employer leader in our service area.”
Naegler is a Missouri native and received his nursing degree at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and his MHA in healthcare administration at Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. He has been an active member in the communities he has served and said he 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.
Chris Jones has served as interim CEO and will continue in that role until Naegler arrives.