One of the area’s largest employers has a new man to watch over its 10,681 employees.
After a nationwide search, a committee selected current Director of Benefits and Employee Relations Andrew Hedgpeth as vice president of human resources. He moves into the new role May 2.
“We wanted to find someone we could trust to care for our employees, and Andy is that person,” said Steve Edwards, CoxHealth’s president and CEO, in a news release. “I believe there is nothing more important to this organization than our employees, because we cannot provide exceptional care to our patients without an exceptional team.”
The position has been vacant since January, following the hire of Rick Roche, a Florida health system executive. Roche succeeded John Hursh, who retired last summer after holding the position since 2007, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. Hedgpeth said shortly before Roche started at CoxHealth, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County lost its longtime CEO. Roche stayed on to help though the transition before moving to Springfield.
“They asked him to stay on as CEO, but he wanted to honor his commitment to Cox,” Hedgpeth said. “Then in January, they made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“From there, we started the search committee up again.”
Hegepeth isn’t a new face to the CoxHealth human resources department. He joined CoxHealth in 2008 and has worked as compliance coordinator, benefits manager and director for Benefits and Employee Relations, according to the release. Over the past several years, Hedgpeth has driven several key changes in the department, including launching the 1906 Employee Store, the integration of the system’s wellness program with its health plan, cafeterias and fitness centers, and an increased employer match on CoxHealth’s 403(b) retirement plan.
In the new role, Hedgpeth will oversee multiple departments, including benefits, employee retention and recruitment, engagement and compensation.
“Cox has been an incredible place for me to grow professionally,” Hedgpeth said. “There were quite a few finalists and I’m humbled they choose me to be that next-level leader.”
Hedgpeth has a bachelor’s in psychology and human resources management and a master’s in business administration from Missouri State University.
It's been quite the month for the Ozark native, having been sworn in as the newest member of the Ozark School Board just last week.
“This last week has very much been a series of humbling events,” Hedgpeth said. “I think I’m in a little bit of shock still, but it’s a good shock.”
