Cedar County Memorial Hospital names Chief Operations Officer

Cedar County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) is pleased to announce the promotion of Matthew Pruitt, MBA, MLS (ASCP), to the position of Chief Operations Officer. Pruitt, who has served as the hospital’s Laboratory Director and Corporate Compliance Officer since 2023, will now join the executive leadership team to oversee ancillary services and strategic operations.

In his expanded role as COO, Pruitt will lead a range of clinical and support departments including Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy, Rehab Therapy, Cardiopulmonary, Infusion Services, the Wound Clinic, and Social Services, while continuing his direct oversight of Laboratory Services. Additionally, he will continue to serve as the CCMH Corporate Compliance Officer.

Pruitt has over 12 years of hospital experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. He has spent the last seven years successfully transforming underperforming labs of critical access hospitals into efficient, revenue-generating operations. His career includes tenures at Freeman Health System, Integris Miami Hospital, and Dardanelle Regional Health System.

“I’m excited to welcome Matt to the executive leadership team,” said Don Carpenter, CEO of Cedar County Memorial Hospital. “Matt brings a strong and diverse set of leadership skills to his new position, including a proven track record of driving business results and improving patient outcomes. His keen ability to be a big-picture, strategic thinker makes him a great choice to lead our critical ancillary services.”

Pruitt holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. His vision for CCMH focuses on long-term sustainability and the unique needs of rural healthcare.

“I’m most excited about the opportunity to strengthen operations in a way that directly supports both patient outcomes and staff engagement,” said Pruitt. “My primary goal is to build on the hospital’s existing foundation by improving efficiency and ensuring our teams have the resources they need to succeed. I am passionate about fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.”

Pruitt’s professional drive is rooted in a desire to make a meaningful impact on the communities he serves. Outside of work, he is an avid golfer and fitness enthusiast who also enjoys spending time with family. He looks forward to further integrating into the local community and contributing to the continued success of CCMH.