BECKLEY, W.Va. – Joey Preast was recently named Chief Operating Officer for Beckley ARH Hospital.

Preast most recently served in a dual capacity as CEO of Summers County ARH and assistant administrator for Beckley ARH.

Todd Howell, CEO at Beckley ARH, said he is excited to work with Preast as he assumes his new position.

“Joey has been a vital member of the Beckley ARH family in one capacity or another for several years,” he said. “He cares deeply about this hospital and is committed to providing the best care for the residents of southern West Virginia. It’s a commitment I am confident will continue to grow as he moves forward in his new role.”

ARH Regional CEO Jeremy Hall said Preast is the natural selection for the COO role.

“Joey has done a great job leading Summers County ARH and his skills and leadership will be of great benefit to Beckley ARH,” he said. “This opportunity will provide excellent leadership at our Beckley facility while also allowing Joey to continue developing his leadership skills to prepare him for great things in the future.”

During Preast’s tenure at Summers County ARH, the hospital received funding for several large projects including a radiology room upgrade and Emergency Department renovation.

“We’ve had some pretty big accomplishments over the past few years,” he said. “Summers County ARH might be a small hospital, but it has a dedicated team of employees and is a vital part of the community.

“I’m very appreciative for my ti

me at Summers County ARH,” he continued. “It was an invaluable experience that allowed me to work closely with department leaders and gain a better understanding of hospital operations. I would not be in this position without that experience.”

Preast, a native of Fayetteville, W.Va., received his bachelor’s degree from Mountain State University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Marshall University.

He and his wife Kendra reside in Oak Hill with sons Levi and Milo and daughter Noel.

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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies and medical spas. ARH employs approximately 6,400 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $474 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 1,300 providers on staff across its multi-state system. ARH is the largest provider of care and the single largst employer in southeastern Kentucky, and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia