Baptist Health is proud to announce the promotion of Brandi Stewart, MBA, BSN, RN, to president of the River Valley Region, effective immediately. Stewart has successfully served as interim president since late April, providing steady leadership and a strong commitment to the community.
Stewart joined Baptist Health in 2024 as the chief nursing officer for Baptist Health hospitals in Fort Smith and Van Buren, as well as the system’s River Valley clinics. Her appointment reinforces Baptist Health’s ongoing commitment to the River Valley and ensures that patients and staff continue to have dedicated leadership focused on quality, faith-based care.
“I am honored to step into this role permanently and continue working alongside our team to serve the River Valley,” said Stewart. “I am passionate about working closely with all members of a patient’s care team to improve safety, communication and the overall experience for both patients and their families.”
With over 27 years of nursing and health care leadership experience, Stewart previously served as vice president and chief nursing officer of INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital in Yukon, Oklahoma, where she led initiatives to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. Stewart earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from American Sentinel University in Aurora, Colorado. An Oklahoma native, Stewart and her husband, Rodney, have three adult children and four grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling and watching her grandchildren play sports.
Joining Stewart in a leadership role, Cindy Pratt has been named director of hospital and practice operations. Pratt has already been performing these duties, establishing a strong, collaborative partnership with Stewart to support daily hospital and clinic operations across the River Valley.
