CoxHealth announces executive leadership advancements

Steven D. Edwards, incoming President & CEO of CoxHealth, announced the following executive leadership advancements effective Jan. 1, 2012:

John Duff, MD, Senior Vice President, Chief Hospital Officer: Duff’s responsibilities will include oversight of four hospitals (Cox South, Cox Walnut Lawn and Cox North in Springfield, and Cox Monett Hospital in Monett, Mo.), as well as Oxford HealthCare (home health services), Home Parenteral Services (home infusion therapy), and Cox College.

Ken Powell, MD, Chairman JOC, Chief Integrated Physicians: Powell will be responsible for integrating physician operations for CoxHealth’s Regional Services (employed physician clinics), Ferrell-Duncan Clinic (multi-specialty physician clinic), and Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute (SNSI).

Ron Prenger, Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer: Prenger’s responsibilities will encompass all hospital inpatient clinical services.

Brian Williams, Vice President, Chief Business Development: Williams will be responsible for CoxHealth Network, (managed care contracting arm for CoxHealth), Marketing and Planning, and Occupational Medicine and SNSI clinic operations.

Edwards says the changes will enhance continuity of care for patients through increased efficiencies, standardization and improved access to physician clinics.

CoxHealth is Springfield’s only locally owned, not-for-profit health system. It is accredited by The Joint Commission and distinguished as one of the nation’s Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Systems (2006-2011).