Beebe Healthcare reveals portraits of past board chairs
Beebe Healthcare held a reception Dec. 15 to unveil the portraits of its past board chairs in the lobby of the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing. The board of directors has had 12 past chairs over its rich 101-year history. Having all the past board chairs' portraits displayed and honored was a goal of Beebe Healthcare's recent chair, the Hon. William Swain Lee. Current Board Chair David Herbert kicked off the event alongside Beebe Healthcare President and CEO Jeffrey M. Fried. Herbert said, "Thank you, Judge Lee, for your vision, as we are honored and happy to celebrate the past and look forward to a bright future at Beebe Healthcare."
Included in the portrait unveil of the 12 past board chairs are: James Beebe Sr., MD (served 1927-62); Otis H. Smith (served 1962-73); James Beebe Jr., MD (served 1974-76); the Hon. Eugene D. Bookhammer (served 1976-81); Halsey G. Knapp (served 1981-83); Robert W. Tunnell Sr. (served 1983-88); Harry E. Derrickson (served 1988-90); Walter J. Lehman Jr. (served 1990-93); Bhashar S. Palekar, MD (served 1993-98); Joseph R. Hudson (served 1998-2005); Janet B. McCarty (served 2005-10); and the Hon. William Swain Lee (served 2010-17).
McCarty said, "I want to thank you; I am truly humbled and honored. Every board chair knows the challenges – but we came through this together and stronger. I appreciated the support I received from the executive staff during my time of service. Serving as the chair of Beebe's board of directors is one of the most meaningful things I've done in my lifetime."
"After listening to all the wonderful tributes shared today by Mr. Fried and Mr. Herbert to each past board chair, it is a humbling experience to be part of such a forward-thinking community and focused group. I love Beebe and am proud to serve it," said Lee.
