November 07, 2023 – Dalton Hatfield has been named Director of External Affairs for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) system.

ARH External Affairs strives to develop and maintain relationships with governmental and nongovernmental officials alike and organizations at the local, state, and federal levels. The department is also actively involved in grant opportunities, policy input, and discussions structured to benefit ARH patients and employees. 

Hatfield began his ARH career at Highlands Regional Medical Center as an assistant administrator in 2021 before transitioning into being the liaison for external affairs for the ARH system. He graduated from the University of Pikeville (UPIKE) with a bachelor’s in History and Political Science and completed a master’s degree from UPIKE in Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration. 

Hatfield says, “This role allows me to utilize my passion for helping the people of Central Appalachia. I feel I am truly living out my purpose, as I steadfastly believe in the mission of ARH and our vision to improve the health and promote the wellbeing of the communities we serve.”

Hatfield says that the external affairs department is always working behind the scenes, and that is where he prefers to be. He says, “As long as we advocate effectively for ARH and our communities, we will get positive outcomes. I’m more focused on getting those outcomes than being in the spotlight.”

As a member of the External Affairs team, Hatfield maintains correspondence and regular involvement with a host of local and regional chambers, area development districts, and a wide variety of boards, councils, and coalitions at the local and state levels in KY and WV and that we work to form new partnerships to improve our communities. Building partnerships and collaborating across different sectors allows ARH to have representation in the economic development, workforce development, higher education, nonprofit, healthcare, and legislative policy realms. 

Hatfield comments, “Maintaining a productive and positive working relationship with organizations and individuals in the communities we serve allows ARH to be more than a hospital system – it puts us in a position to be a driving force in improving the overall quality of life for the people of Central Appalachia. Building partnerships and promoting cross-sector collaboration is vital in addressing the issues facing our region.”

In addition to being advocates for ARH and healthcare in Central Appalachia, the External Affairs department is instrumental in identifying and pursuing possible funding sources and grant opportunities.

Rocky Massey, Vice President of External Affairs, says, “An important part of ARH External Affairs initiatives includes getting involved at the grassroots level, where ARH has a seat at the table at every forum possible. This includes those government and nongovernmental organizations at the local, state, and federal levels.  In doing so, we look out for ARH’s best interest as well as the provision of rural healthcare in our region. Dalton is an integral part of that, and I am proud of the work he is doing.”