St. Joseph Health System Announces New Market President

Bryan, TX (September 30, 2015) – St. Joseph Health System is pleased to welcome Rick D. Napper as Market President, effective November 2, 2015.

facilities, more than 20 ambulatory clinics, and 100 employed providers. He joins St. Joseph most recently from Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) Memorial Healthcare System in Chattanooga, TN, where he served as President of Memorial Hospital and Chief Operating Officer for the system.   In November 2014 St. Joseph became part of CHI, based in Englewood, CO, and including more than 100 hospitals in 18 states. CHI’s presence in Texas also includes the St. Luke’s Health system in Houston and St. Luke’s Memorial Health system based in Lufkin.   “Rick brings to St. Joseph Health System and the entire Brazos Valley a depth of experience and skills that he will use to continue advancing healthcare services for the communities we serve,” said Michael H. Covert, President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Luke’s Health. “As we prepare for the next era of healthcare throughout the country, Rick will be instrumental in making sure St. Joseph is well positioned. His values-driven leadership style will also serve to carry forward the mission and commitment to compassionate care that serve as the foundation for this organization.”   “As we see more and more individuals moving to the Brazos Valley, St. Joseph has been focused on proactively growing and developing the system to support the health and wellness of our community,” said Jeb Blair, Chairman of the Board, St. Joseph Health System. “Rick is a dynamic leader that brings the skillset and experience we need to continue along this path, while developing partnerships and improving operations.”   Napper brings more than 19 years of healthcare administration experience, with a focus on operational acumen and accomplishments in the areas of patient satisfaction, clinical, quality, and financial operations, new business development, and employee and physician relations.   “I am thrilled to join St. Joseph at such an exciting time in its history. I look forward to continuing the mission of St. Joseph as we evolve and further develop the organization to meet changing needs and create healthier communities,” said Napper. “Throughout our country, the healthcare industry is progressing at a rapid pace. Together with our physicians, clinicians, and staff, we will leverage our relationship with CHI nationally as well as our partners at St. Luke’s in Houston and Lufkin to continue bringing innovation and advancements to the Brazos Valley.”   Napper has served as President and Chief Executive Officer for Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, MS; Chief Executive Officer for Norton Community Hospital in Norton, VA; and President and Chief Executive Officer for Crittenden Health Systems in Marion, KY. He also served as Assistant Director of Quality Improvement for Ireland Army Community Hospital in Fort Knox, KY.   Napper holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management from Park College in Parkville, MO, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. In addition, he graduated from the Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam in Houston, TX as an LPN.   ###   About St. Joseph Health System   Established in 1936, St. Joseph Health System is a faith-based, not-for-profit health system committed to excellence and compassion in caring for the mind, body and spirit while creating healthier communities. St. Joseph Health System is comprised of five hospital facilities across the Brazos Valley, including St. Joseph Regional Health Center, the region’s highest level trauma center. St. Joseph Physician Associates operates more than a dozen primary and specialty care clinics around the region, offering expert care, closer to home. St. Joseph Health System is a part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), one of the nation’s largest health systems. For more information, visit st-joseph.org.   St. Joseph Health System is a part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), one of the nation’s largest health systems. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, CHI operates in 18 states and comprises more than 90 hospitals, including four academic medical centers and teaching hospitals; 24 critical-access facilities; community health services organizations; accredited nursing colleges; home health agencies; and other services that span the inpatient and outpatient continuum of care.