Veteran healthcare executive to oversee 30 hospitals across six states

Ardent Health today announced the appointment of David Schultz as president of hospital operations. Schultz, who has served in an interim capacity since December, will work closely with hospital leadership teams and functional leaders to develop and strengthen key service lines, transfer center operations, provider relations, and planning and development activities. He brings more than 25 years of experience leading hospital and provider group operations, system integration, strategy and growth.

“Since joining Ardent a year ago, David has played a key role in enhancing operations and supporting quality care initiatives across the organization,” said Marty Bonick, president and CEO of Ardent. “As we position Ardent to continue advancing hospital-based services while dedicating resources to build out needed ancillary services, David’s leadership will be an essential piece to building a people-centered healthcare ecosystem.”

Schultz most recently served as president of Ardent’s New Mexico market, which consists of five hospitals and 25 sites of care at Ardent’s affiliate Lovelace Health System. He previously served as senior vice president of operations and service lines for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Tacoma, Washington. During his eight-year tenure with the system, he also served as market president for its Peninsula Region and president of Harrison Medical Center.

“Ardent prides itself on continuously improving quality healthcare services in the communities we serve,” said Schultz. “As we evolve to meet the changing needs of consumers across the country, I’m excited to work with a team that is dedicated to making healthcare better and more convenient each day.”

He also previously held executive leadership roles for hospitals in Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas. A fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, Schultz is a graduate of the University of Texas and earned a master’s of healthcare administration from Trinity University.

About Ardent Health

Ardent Health is a leading provider of healthcare in communities across the country. With a focus on consumer-friendly processes and investments in innovative services and technologies, Ardent is passionate about making healthcare better and easier to access. Through its subsidiaries, Ardent owns and operates 30 hospitals and 200+ sites of care with more than 1,700 aligned providers in six states. Learn more at ArdentHealth.com.

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