CoxHealth picks next CEO

The CoxHealth Board of Directors today announced it has selected Steven Edwards to the hospital's top post, effective Dec. 31.

Edwards, 45, succeeds Bob Bezanson, 65, who will retire at year-end.

Edwards, CoxHealth executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2007, joined the health system in 1992, according to a news release.

“Thousands of people before me have made CoxHealth their life’s work,” Edwards said in the release. “I am determined to serve this tremendous heritage with every fiber of my being. There is no place on earth I would rather be than Springfield, Mo., and no organization I would rather serve than CoxHealth. I am overcome with a sense of duty and humility.”

According to the release, Edwards' appointment was consistent with a board of directors succession plan.

“Steve has clearly demonstrated his integrity and leadership as part of the executive management team at CoxHealth,” said Larry Lipscomb, board of directors chairman, in the release. “His compassion for our patients and commitment to the health of our community will provide the leadership and vision required for the future.”

Prior to becoming executive vice president and COO, Edwards served as vice president of clinical services, senior vice president of regional services, and senior vice president and administrator of Cox Hospitals.
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