Russell Harrington Jr., former president and CEO of Little Rock, Ark.-based Baptist Health, died Dec. 14 at age 81.
Mr. Harrington retired in 2014 after leading the health system since 1984. During his tenure, Baptist Health expanded to an eight-hospital system with more than 175 points of access, according to a Dec. 15 email to staff from current CEO Troy Wells that was shared with Becker’s.
“Russ was known for his compassion, humility, and his ‘management by walking around.’ He valued every employee and believed deeply in caring not only for patients, but also for the people who serve them,” Mr. Wells said. “His faith, integrity, and servant leadership left an enduring mark on Baptist Health and on all who had the privilege to work with him. Even in his final weeks of life, Russ continued to praise and brag on the many employees at Baptist Health that he encountered.”
Before becoming CEO, Mr. Harrington served as associate executive director of Baptist Health, administrator of Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, and executive director of Baptist Memorial Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
Following his retirement, he became president emeritus and a senior adviser. That same year, the Little Rock campus was renamed the Russell D. Harrington Jr. Campus in honor of his 40 years of service, according to a July 16, 2014, news release.
“It has been an honor to be a part of this healing ministry and be able to serve the healthcare needs of our state for 40 years,” Mr. Harrington said in the 2014 release. “I am proud of the success we were able to achieve as an organization and consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with so many skilled physicians, dedicated caregivers, and committed staff.”
