“For more than 25 years Springfield has been positively influenced by Jim’s dedication to volunteer involvement and advocacy efforts with local organizations. We are enthusiastic that as part of the CoxHealth team, he will continue to make positive changes on the part of health care for all of southwest Missouri,” says Steve Edwards, president and CEO, CoxHealth. “Jim’s direct impact on job creation in the region and his philosophy that economic development is community development mirrors the spirit of giving and community focus at CoxHealth. I am thrilled that Jim said yes to our offer to work at CoxHealth. He is a friend and a mentor and I know what an impact Jim can make for our health care system and community.
“In addition, his foresight to move the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce toward public affairs helped build a bridge between a community and its legislative representatives. With his dedication to Springfield, it seems most fitting to have him join CoxHealth, Springfield’s only locally based, not-for-profit health care system,” says Edwards.
“As I transition from the Chamber of Commerce and begin a new chapter in my life, it is an honor and privilege to join such a dynamic organization like CoxHealth,” says Anderson. “I am excited to be able to continue working for and with the great people of our region.”
Anderson taught at Jefferson City High School before becoming the school district’s director of school-community relations from 1975-1979. The following nine years he served as the president of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce before joining the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce in February 1988.
His public service experience with local organizations is extensive, serving as a past chairman for the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, past chairman of the United Way of the Ozarks, past president of the Urban Districts Alliance, past chairman of the Community Relations Board for the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners and a member of the Rotary Club of Springfield.
This VP position allows the system to place all marketing, corporate communications and public affairs personnel under one vice president.
“With increasing government involvement in health care decisions, we will need Jim’s advocacy for statewide initiatives such as transforming and expanding Medicaid,” adds Edwards. “Presently, Missouri is leaving $2 billion a year on the table, money from hospital payment cuts and tax increases that is leaving our state and benefiting other states. This is hurting Missouri jobs, as health care layoffs are being announced all over the state.”
CoxHealth recognizes that bringing Anderson on board is a natural fit. “It is a focus of the CoxHealth board of directors that our health care system be a leader in civic engagement. We want to help develop, grow, care for and give back to the region we love and call home,” says Edwards. “We welcome Jim Anderson, a great visionary with a passion for our community.”
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