Scott Street is leaving his position as president of Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas to accept a new role with Mercy Health.
In announcing the news to hospital co-workers and physicians, Street said, “As I reflect on our progress over the past several years and the strong leadership team that is in place, I am so proud of the work that we have accomplished together in Northwest Arkansas. With all of this in mind, I have decided that it is an appropriate time for me to take a new direction in my career path.”
For the immediate future, Street will focus on several special projects, including the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
“This is such an important part of the changes that are taking place in health care today and as many of you know, it has been a passion of mine,” he said. “Expanding access and transforming how we deliver health care is the vision of Mercy, and I am so pleased to be able to serve in support of this vision.”
Eric Pianalto will serve as interim president of Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas while the search process for new leadership takes place. Pianalto serves as chief operating officer of Mercy Clinic in Arkansas and Oklahoma. He joined Mercy in 1994 and has served in leadership roles in Fort Smith, Northwest Arkansas and Oklahoma, as well as in support of Mercy’s four-state health ministry. Pianalto, his wife Dawn and three children reside in Tontitown.
“We wish to thank Scott Street for his many contributions to Mercy and the Northwest Arkansas community since joining Mercy in 2010,” said Jon Swope, Mercy regional president. “With the support of Eric and the rest of our outstanding local leadership team, as well as our co-workers and physicians, Mercy is well positioned to continue our strong progress in Northwest Arkansas in serving the needs of the community with compassionate care and exceptional service.”