Arkansas Children’s has named Jimmy Duncan, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, as its new senior vice president and chief people officer. He leads the health system’s Human Resources division.
Duncan joins Arkansas Children’s with strategic experience both in healthcare systems and private sectors like manufacturing, energy, and higher education. He currently serves as vice president of Human Resources for WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, which is the flagship of Georgia’s largest healthcare system, located in Marietta.
“Jimmy is ready to be a champion for children, and is already encouraging the team to think about our values of safety, teamwork, compassion, and excellence in new and meaningful ways,” said Arkansas Children’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Chanda Chacon, MPH, FACHE. “We’re excited to see how he guides the Arkansas Children’s team’s ongoing journey to be an employer of choice for top talent to achieve their career aspirations.”
Duncan’s career and recent accomplishments include leading the effort to win the prestigious Secretary of Labor Opportunity Award, building a corporate university, and championing cultural integration efforts resulting from growth acquisitions. He is passionate about growing talent and employee engagement, which have been hallmarks of his career success.
Before serving with WellStar Kennestone, Duncan held the position of system chief human resources officer for Tenet’s Atlanta market, where he led network integration and culture development of all health entities affiliated with Atlanta Medical Center.
His undergraduate degree is from the University of South Carolina, and he earned a master’s degree in organizational management at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.