Ozarks Healthcare has promoted Christen Weaver to chief operating officer.
Weaver previously served as chief nursing officer, where she worked on patient care, clinical operations and support for employees across the health system. In her new role, Weaver will oversee operational strategy and work with leadership teams on quality of care, patient experience and organizational growth.
“Christen has demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion and dedication throughout her time at Ozarks Healthcare,” said Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO Terence Farrell. “Her experience and commitment to our mission make her the ideal person to help lead our organization forward.”
Weaver said stepping into the role is both humbling and meaningful.
“Ozarks Healthcare is more than an organization to me. It is a place filled with people who care deeply about doing the right thing for patients, families and one another,” Weaver said. “To be trusted with helping lead that work at a broader level is something I do not take lightly.”
Weaver said her priorities include advancing the organization’s mission, strengthening operations and encouraging collaboration across departments.
“My top priorities are centered around advancing our mission, strengthening operational excellence and continuing to position Ozarks Healthcare as the leading health care organization in our region,” Weaver said. “I want us to be recognized not only for the quality of care we provide, but also for the experience we create for patients, families, providers and staff.”
Weaver said her experience as chief nursing officer helped prepare her for the position by giving her a broader understanding of the patient experience and the effects of operational decisions across the organization.
“Nursing touches nearly every part of the patient experience, so that role required me to think beyond one department and understand how decisions impact quality, safety, access, staffing, finance, patient flow and team morale,” Weaver said. “It also taught me the importance of listening first, making decisions with both data and compassion, and staying focused on the people behind every process.”
Throughout her career at Ozarks Healthcare, Weaver has served in several leadership roles. She said she is most proud of the relationships built and teamwork demonstrated through challenges and successes.
“More than any single accomplishment, I am proud to be part of an organization filled with people who genuinely care about one another and our community,” Weaver said.
Looking ahead, Weaver said she plans to focus on rural health care, expanding services and improving access to care.
“Rural health care is challenging, but it is also where innovation, resilience and purpose matter most,” Weaver said. “I believe we have the right people and the right heart to continue improving access, expanding services and making care better for patients close to home.”
