Dodge City, Kansas (October 20, 2020) – Western Plains Medical Complex (WPMC) announced today that Rick Wallace has been named chief executive officer (CEO), effective November 2. A 30-year healthcare veteran, Wallace replaces Jerry Dooley, who has been serving as interim CEO since June.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rick to the WPMC,” said Robert Wampler, president of LifePoint Health’s Mountain Division, of which WPMC is a part. “Rick is a seasoned leader who is deeply committed to our mission of Making Communities Healthier. I am confident that his passion for quality care, his operational expertise and his strong track record for organizational growth will be a tremendous benefit to WPMC. We look forward to the many ways his leadership will help further improve the health and well-being of the community in the years to come.”
A veteran leader with extensive healthcare management experience, Wallace most recently served as assistant professor and director of healthcare administration programs at Northeastern State University (NSU). Before NSU, Rick held leadership positions at several healthcare organizations across the country. He was the president and CEO at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, New Mexico; CEO of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid, Oklahoma; and CEO of Dunn Memorial Hospital in Bedford, Indiana.
“Rick’s extensive knowledge and leadership experience in managing many types of hospitals will be a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Rick Sowers, chair of the WPMC Board of Trustees. “We are honored to name him CEO, and we look forward to working alongside him in our dedicated effort to making communities healthier.”
Wallace earned his Bachelor of Psychology degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, his Master of Business Administration from Webster University in Wichita, Kansas, and his Doctorate in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“WPMC has been positioned throughout the years as an innovative, quality healthcare system,” said Wallace. “It’s the people of WPMC making that difference. I am excited to begin working collaboratively with the staff, physicians, community leaders, and the board as we continue to fulfill our mission of making communities healthier.”
