2023 40 Under 40 Spotlight: Amanda Hedgpeth, 2012

Aaron J Scott

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Then: Assistant vice president, CoxHealth
Now: Chief operating officer, CoxHealth

Less than a year after becoming president of Springfield hospitals at CoxHealth, Amanda Hedgpeth, 39, was promoted again at the end of 2022.

Hedgpeth, who has worked with the health care system since 2005, is now its chief operating officer. She says her responsibilities extend to six hospitals in Springfield, Branson, Monett and Barton County.

“It’s really been a pretty natural transition,” she says of the change in leadership roles, noting she oversees roughly 7,500 employees.

“I’ve been at CoxHealth for over 17 years, so I already had really strong relationships with the leaders I’m continuing to work with.”

Additionally, Hedgpeth serves on the board of directors for the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, which is a space for Missouri State University researchers, students and corporate partners to conduct research and development.

What’s your best advice to young professionals?
Focus on the role you’re in and excel at it. Sometimes people try to focus on what that next thing is they’re trying to achieve or that next position.