Mississippi County Hospital System Appoints Lacey Carter as New CEO

Carter joins from Ozarks Healthcare to lead MCHS's Blytheville and Osceola hospitals under St. Bernards management partnership.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up X-ray photograph of a stethoscope and other medical equipment, their internal structures glowing against a dark background to symbolize the importance of rural healthcare access.The appointment of a new CEO signals a renewed focus on strengthening rural healthcare services and delivery in Mississippi County.Blytheville Today

Mississippi County Hospital System (MCHS) has named Lacey Carter as its new CEO, effective immediately. Carter joins MCHS from Ozarks Healthcare in Missouri, where she held several executive leadership roles including Chief Operations Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. She will lead MCHS's two hospitals, Great River Medical Center in Blytheville and SMC Regional Medical Center in Osceola, under a management partnership with St. Bernards Healthcare.

Why it matters

The appointment of Lacey Carter as CEO strengthens rural healthcare delivery and access in Mississippi County, Arkansas. Carter's extensive clinical and leadership background in women's health aligns with the comprehensive women's services offered at MCHS's largest facility, Great River Medical Center, the only birthing hospital within a 40-mile radius.

The details

Carter joins MCHS after the hospital system's Board of Directors unanimously voted in December to partner with St. Bernards Healthcare for management assistance. Through this agreement, St. Bernards manages day-to-day operations at both Great River Medical Center and SMC Regional Medical Center. Carter succeeds Josh Conlee, Senior Vice President of Strategic Services for St. Bernards, who has served as interim CEO since January.

  • In December 2025, the MCHS Board of Directors unanimously voted for the hospital system to partner with St. Bernards Healthcare for management assistance.
  • In January 2026, Josh Conlee, Senior Vice President of Strategic Services for St. Bernards, began serving as interim CEO of MCHS.
  • On April 3, 2026, Lacey Carter was announced as the new CEO of Mississippi County Hospital System, effective immediately.

The players

Lacey Carter

The new CEO of Mississippi County Hospital System (MCHS). Carter joins MCHS from Ozarks Healthcare in Missouri, where she held several executive leadership roles including Chief Operations Officer and Chief Nursing Officer.

John Logan

The President of the MCHS Board of Directors, who stated that Carter's appointment strengthens rural healthcare delivery and access in Mississippi County.

Josh Conlee

The Senior Vice President of Strategic Services for St. Bernards Healthcare, who has served as interim CEO of MCHS since January 2026.

St. Bernards Healthcare

The healthcare system that has partnered with MCHS to manage day-to-day operations at its two hospitals, Great River Medical Center and SMC Regional Medical Center.

Mississippi County Hospital System (MCHS)

The healthcare system that has appointed Lacey Carter as its new CEO, effective immediately.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Working together, we now have an opportunity to enhance locally based healthcare. With Mrs. Carter's expertise leading our hospitals, we look forward to expanding our care reach throughout the county.”

— John Logan, MCHS Board President

“I'm honored to join this system's dedicated teams and work alongside them to serve Mississippi County, our family's new home. My roots run deep in rural healthcare, and it's my mission that local communities have access to high quality care close to its members live and work. Together, we'll build upon the legacy of service at both Great River and SMC.”

— Lacey Carter, New CEO, Mississippi County Hospital System

What’s next

Carter will immediately begin leading Mississippi County Hospital System and working with the St. Bernards Healthcare team to manage operations at Great River Medical Center and SMC Regional Medical Center.

The takeaway

Lacey Carter's appointment as CEO of Mississippi County Hospital System underscores the importance of strong rural healthcare leadership and the benefits of strategic partnerships to enhance local care delivery. Her extensive experience in women's health and executive roles will be valuable assets as MCHS works to expand access and services for the community.