A little more than nine months after its former chief executive officer was fired in a controversial move that resulted in an ongoing lawsuit, the Eureka Springs Hospital once again has a permanent leader in place.
Tiffany Means, who was extended an offer by the hospital commission in June at an annual salary of $230,000, began work in her new role as CEO on Friday, Aug. 1, according to hospital commission chair Sandy Martin.
Means’ first day at the hospital was Monday, Aug. 4, Martin said.
“I’m incredibly honored to take on the role of CEO in this small but vibrant community,” Means said in a release sent out by Martin on Aug. 4. “For me, this opportunity is about more than just operations and strategy — it’s about building trust, improving access, and making sure every decision reflects the unique needs and values of the people we serve. I see my role as a bridge between Eureka Springs Hospital and the community by listening deeply, responding with integrity, and leading with purpose.”
Means replaces Angie Shaw, who was fired by the commission with no explanation in November 2024, sparking outrage from many of the staff on board at the time.
According to her resume, Means’ most recent job was “Independent Healthcare Consultant” for Hollywood System in Hollywood, Calif., and Quorum Health/American Health Systems in Waukegan, Ill. She held the same role at Methodist Health System in Dallas from 2021 to 2023 and at Northwest Health System in Bentonville from 2023 to 2024.
Means’ resume listed Fayetteville as her current home address.
Means’ employment background includes “Director of Emergency Service” from 2017 to 2021 and “Standalone Emergency Project Director” from 2019 to 2020 at Northwest Health Systems in Springdale, and “Nursing Director, Inpatient and Emergency Services,” from 2007 to 2017 at Mercy Health System in Rogers.
Her education includes a doctor of nursing practice degree from the University of Missouri, a master’s in health care administration from Missouri State University and a bachelor of science in nursing from Southwest Baptist University.
“Tiffany brings over two decades of experience in healthcare and healthcare management to the Eureka Springs Hospital,” Martin said in the Aug. 4 news release. “She stood out from all other candidates because of her experience and commitment to community building. She’s not afraid of challenges and her positive energy is contagious. We are very fortunate to have her lead our team.”
“Tiffany is no stranger to Northwest Arkansas,” according to the release. “For [20] years, she worked for the Mercy Health System, as Nursing Director, Inpatient and Emergency Services. After that, she was Director of Emergency Services for Northwest Health System in Springdale … and served as project director to open a standalone Emergency Room in Fayetteville. … Prior to joining Eureka Springs Hospital, she has been an Independent Healthcare Consultant for hospital systems in California, Texas, Arkansas and Illinois.
Means said in Martin’s release that she is looking forward to settling down in the new role in a community like Eureka Springs.
“On a personal note I am drawn to this opportunity not only because of the professional challenge, but because of the heart of this community,” Means said. “There’s a sense of connection here that reminds me why I chose healthcare in the first place. I’m excited to put down my professional roots, get to know the people who make this community so special, and work together toward a stronger, healthier future for all.”
Means attended the hospital commission monthly workshop on Aug. 4 where she complimented her early observations of the facility.
“I did rounds this morning with [clinical director] Velvet [Shoults], and I’m going to be meeting with each leader next week,” Means told commissioners at the workshop, adding that a “group meeting” was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5. “We are going to be forward motion, and it’s going to be some touchdowns happening as we kick off the fall festival, and some wins. I feel very strongly that we’re moving in the right direction.
“As I toured the ER, comparative to where I came from, I can say this, by far, the rooms, all the resources, the staff, they are well equipped, comparative to anybody else, to serve anybody in an emergency way. So, I feel strongly that we have a great team. … It has made me come in going: ‘Yes, we can do this.’ They’ve had a lot of energies already that have been put in place and the hospital looks great on the inside. It looks great. So we’re going to be working on a lot of stuff.”
Martin liked what she heard.
“We’re excited about that,” she said after Means’ remarks. “And, thank you again Jodi [Edmondson, human resources director and former interim CEO], and the crew that’s been there. You, too, Velvet. Yeoman’s job.”
Commission vice chair Brian Beyler agreed.
“You carried the water pails for quite a while, Jodi,” Beyler said.
