Little Rock, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Craig Wilson has been appointed as the president and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI), following his interim leadership since January. With over 15 years of experience at ACHI, Wilson aims to enhance healthcare in Arkansas by fostering partnerships and utilizing health data for better decision-making. He takes over from Dr. Joe Thompson after his long tenure. Wilson also hosts a podcast, ‘Wonks at Work,’ focusing on making health information accessible to the community.
Little Rock Welcomes a New Leader in Health Improvement
Little Rock, Arkansas, is buzzing with exciting news as local resident Craig Wilson has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI). This change follows a thorough national search, and it certainly seems like a great fit for both Wilson and the organization. After stepping into the interim role back in January, he has now officially taken the reins.
From Interim to Permanent
Craig has been a part of ACHI since 2011, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Before serving as interim leader, he was the director of health policy and has been a crucial player in many programs aimed at improving health outcomes in the state. He succeeds Dr. Joe Thompson, who dedicated 22 years to ACHI before transitioning into a president emeritus role earlier this year. Wilson is ready to lead the organization into a new chapter, especially emphasizing the need to transform health data into actionable knowledge for decision-makers.
A Focused Vision
In his new role, Wilson is keen on developing and expanding partnerships that can significantly enhance the health of all Arkansans. His vision includes engaging various stakeholders to create a stronger healthcare landscape across the state. With his Arkansas roots and diverse educational background, including a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law and a master’s in public administration from the Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, he is poised to make impactful changes.
Experience You Can Count On
During his 15 years with ACHI, Wilson has shown a commitment to various essential initiatives. He has led healthcare workforce strategic planning, contributed to the Arkansas Healthcare Transparency Initiative, and has published valuable insights on topics like Medicaid coverage, investments in healthcare, and the determinants of social health. His rich history and expertise make him a solid choice to take the organization forward.
Connecting with the Community
Ahead of his new position, Wilson also hosts a podcast titled “Wonks at Work”. This platform allows him to break down complex health topics into understandable segments, making health information more accessible to the general public. It’s a great way to connect with the community and engage more Arkansans in dialogue about their health.
Collaboration is Key
The decision to appoint Wilson was made by ACHI’s administrative committee, which includes leaders from three sponsoring organizations: the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and the Arkansas Department of Health. This collaborative effort showcases a community-focused approach to healthcare leadership, essential for tackling today’s health challenges.
A Bright Future
As Craig Wilson steps into his role as president and CEO, it’s clear that exciting things are on the horizon for the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. His commitment to not just understanding health data but also using it to drive positive changes is an inspiring vision for the future of healthcare in Arkansas. With his leadership, the organization is set to embark on an impactful journey of improving community health outcomes.
FAQ
Who is the new president and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement?
Craig Wilson has been appointed president and CEO after serving as the interim leader since January.
What role did Craig Wilson hold before his appointment?
He worked as ACHI’s director of health policy before becoming the interim leader.
How long has Craig Wilson been with ACHI?
Wilson has been with ACHI since 2011, totaling 15 years of experience with the organization.
Who did Craig Wilson succeed as president and CEO?
He succeeds Dr. Joe Thompson, who served in that role for 22 years before moving to a president emeritus position.
What are some of Wilson’s goals in his new role?
He aims to develop and expand partnerships to improve the health of all Arkansans.
What is “Wonks at Work”?
It is a podcast hosted by Craig Wilson that simplifies complex health topics for listeners.
Key Features of Craig Wilson’s Leadership
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | President and CEO of ACHI |
| Background | 15 years with ACHI; director of health policy |
| Previous Leader | Dr. Joe Thompson served for 22 years |
| Educational Background | Law degree from Georgia State University and Master’s in public administration |
| Podcast | Hosts “Wonks at Work” |
| Community Goals | Develop partnerships for improved health for Arkansans |
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Additional Resources
- A Money and Politics: Craig Wilson Named President of ACHI
- Texarkana Gazette: One Big Beautiful Bill Act Will Effect States
- Arkansas Times: ACHI Unveils Behavioral Health Dashboard
- Arkansas Online: Craig Wilson’s Diverse Background
- Arkansas Advocate: Rural Arkansas Counties Face Higher Rates of Roadway Deaths
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- Google Search: Public Health Policy
- Google Scholar: Health Outcomes Arkansas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Health
- Google News: Arkansas Health Initiatives
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