Batesville-based Citizens Bank announced Thursday that Russ Harrington has been added to its board of directors.
Harrington is president emeritus of Baptist Health, the state’s most comprehensive health care system. He retired as president and CEO of Baptist Health on July 1, 2014.
Harrington received a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and a master’s degree in health services management from the University of Missouri in ColumbiaHarrington offers significant experience as an industry leader, but also shares the bank’s people-first mission, said Citizens in a media release announcing Harrington’s addition to the board.
“Growth on our Board is a key representation of our statewide expansion,” said Jeff Teague, board chairman of Citizens Bancshares. “Russ’s expertise and insight is a valuable addition to this important group; we are honored to have him join our Board.”
“Supporting a progressive community bank like Citizens Bank is an important key to Arkansas’ success,” said Harrington. “I’m looking forward to partnering with them as a board member and investing in their mission and growth across Arkansas.”
Harrington is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), past chairman of the Arkansas Hospital Association, a member of the American Hospital Association, a board member of Parkway Village, Inc., a board member of Baptist Health Foundation, advisory board member for the School of Business of Ouachita Baptist University, chairman of the advisory board for University of Missouri graduate program for Health Services Management, past president of Fifty for the Future, past chairman of the Little Rock Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Healthcare Industry Council, past commissioner of Arkansas Health Services Commission, past president of the National Baptist Hospital Association, past board member of CARTI Cancer Center, and past board member of Pulaski County United Way.
Harrington’s honors include: Distinguished Alumnus – Arkansas State University, Jonesboro; Arkansas’ Philanthropic Person 2000 – Muscular Dystrophy Association; Honorary Colonel – Arkansas State Police; A. Allen Weintraub Award 2001 – Arkansas Hospital Association; 2002 Arkansan of the Year – Easter Seals; 2004 Worthen-Cornett Award – American Heart Association (Arkansas Affiliate); 2006 Top Manager of the Year – Sales & Marketing Executives Association; 2012 Business of Art Honoree – Pulaski Technical College Foundation; 2012 selected by AY Magazine as one of the 12 Most Powerful Men in AR (Medical Category); 2012 March of Dimes Citizen of the Year.
Harrington and his wife, Donna, have two children, Stephanie and Brooks, and two grandsons, Cole and Patrick. He is a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon, is a past deacon chairman, and choir member.
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