PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – Appalachian Regional Healthcare has named Jonathan Koonce the new CEO of Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center.

“Jonathan joins ARH after serving in administrative and CEO roles at several large hospitals in Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Mississippi,” said ARH Chief Operating Officer Paul Betz. “His experience, dedication and commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to patients make him the perfect fit to serve as CEO of Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center.”

Koonce, a native of Bentonville, Ark., received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Harding University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences.

He has previously served as an administrative specialist for Northwest Health Systems facilities in Arkansas, as a hospital administrator for Crozer Keystone Health Systems facilities in the Philadelphia suburbs, and, most recently, as COO for Merit Health River Oaks and Interim CEO for Merit Health Rankin in Mississippi.

Koonce notes his time in Pennsylvania, where he saw the hospital through the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as his time with Merrit Health, where he helped grow the orthopedic and cardiac service lines, as highlights of his career.

It was a desire to work in a smalltown setting, however, that drew him to Highlands ARH.

“When I got to meet the people who worked for ARH and then speak with some members of the community, it became kind of a no-brainer,” he said. “Everyone is so dedicated to serving their community, and that really isn’t something you see in healthcare every day.

“I just thought it was very special.”

Koonce, who lists his late grandfather Dr. Ray Jouett as his inspiration for pursuing a career in healthcare, said he looks forward to rolling up his sleeves and getting to work in his new position.

“I always wanted to find a career that would allow me to give back to the community, and I can’t think of a better field than healthcare,” he said. “I’m ecstatic about this opportunity and look forward to continuing the mission of ARH in serving the people of Appalachia.”

Koonce and his wife Kendyl Calaway, an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant, have two rescue dogs, Winnie and Chloe, and a foster pup named Hootie.

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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 6,700 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 largest employer in southeastern Kentucky, and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia