The Board of Directors of Arkansas Hospice has named Brian W. Bell, MD, FAAHPM, to be the next president and CEO for Arkansas Hospice’s Family of Care. Bell, who currently serves as the organization’s CMO, will step into his new role effective March 10, 2025.
Bell replaces current Arkansas Hospice President & CEO Judith Wooten who announced her retirement last year. Wooten will remain on staff through the end of April to ensure a smooth transition.
Bell joined Arkansas Hospice in August 2016 as vice president and chief medical officer. He is board-certified both in family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, and he is one of only a few in the state with the designation of fellow from the Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Working in hospice care since 2006, Bell is currently on the faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he teaches hospice and palliative medicine fellows. Currently, he serves on the Professional Education Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, which is now part of the National Alliance for Care at Home.
“Dr. Bell’s experience and proven leadership in both clinical and managerial roles make him the ideal candidate to lead our organization as we start our next chapter,” said Rhonda Finnie, chair of the Arkansas Hospice Board of Directors. “On behalf of the entire board, we congratulate him and thank Judy Wooten for her tireless dedication. She led Arkansas Hospice through tremendous growth and navigated the organization through COVID, regulatory challenges, and a changing healthcare environment with tremendous compassion and commitment to our mission.”
Arkansas Hospice provides care in 44 counties with an average daily census of 650.