Boone, N.C.-based Appalachian Regional Healthcare System CEO Richard Sparks is retiring, effective Jan. 27, 2017, according to a report by The Avery Journal.
Mr. Sparks' career in healthcare spans 38 years, beginning as an assistant administrator at Watauga Medical Center in Boone, a part of ARHS. During his tenure, ARHS grew to include The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge in Blowing Rock, N.C., and Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, N.C.
Mr. Sparks has served on the N.C. Hospital Association's board of trustees and as president of the Boone Rotary Club.
ARHS has yet to select a replacement for Mr. Sparks, according to the report.