Joey Flowers
Chief Strategy Officer For ARcare
Hometown: Searcy, AR
Briefly describe your role:
A: As the Chief Strategy Officer of ARcare, as well as 29 years tenure in our organization, I assist in driving the strategic vision for our healthcare organization dedicated to empowering communities through accessible, high-quality care. My role involves identifying growth opportunities, spearheading innovative initiatives, and fostering
partnerships that enhance patient outcomes. Specifically, I oversee the operations of our three-state footprint (Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi) of the Federal and State grant management operations, behavioral health services, and two child education centers located in Augusta and Searcy. In this leadership position, I focus on navigating the ever-changing healthcare landscape while prioritizing equity, sustainability, and innovation. Through C-Suite strategy sessions the team forecast successful health care models that will serve our communities to the greatest extent. In our rural communities, ARcare has implemented cutting-edge solutions with virtual heath care,
community-based programs, and access to specialty care systems that serve our motto "Health for All".
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: I don't think I could have even imagined early in life what I would be doing now. I have had so many opportunities in this career that has placed me at the White House, Federal and State legislative panels all the way to the front lines of homeless shelters in our small communities. I have the opportunity to experience change in a person's life that overcomes addiction, children that learn to read, provide food to those in need, and to provide access to career pathway for students that may not have the means or opportunity. I am blessed and very thankful.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: Healthcare is full of professional passionate women. It is very inspiring to attend national conferences and attend sessions that are women led to hear their story from their lens on the challenges and changes that effect our industry. The challenge is to continue to foster a career path from the high school level through master's and PhD education levels for women that desire administrative and c-suite goals. Mentoring and partnering with schools' systems to assist students in fulfilling their goals is one of the greatest opportunities.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: Women that have inspired me in my life/career include my family. I have two aunts specifically, both very different but each had a special passion, one in health care and the other in education. Maudeen Pickett, worked a long career in the federal government system of the Bureau of Primary Health Care, she instilled the passion for community health centers in me. The other Winona Armer, was a teacher and librarian. She instilled always learn, fullfill your dreams, and see the good in everyone. When she retired, she wrote several books about family and her dreams, it made her so happy. I would give her ideas about a children's book and the next thing she would have it published. They are not on the best seller list, except within the family, but the joy she had in creating made them all the more special. My hard work and drive come from my parents, David and Janice Frady, of always asking why and not afraid to jump in with both feet and figure something out. I was an only child, so spoiled and independent was my middle name. My work career, I have only worked for two CEO's. Mr. Ray Cockrill and Dr. Steven Collier. They both have believed in me and inspired me to grow and prosper in my work and home life. A life learner, always changing, and adaptable mindset is the main traits to each of these gentlemen. I hope I can hold those traits as well as these two men have and pass on their passion to the future generations.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: As a woman in a C-suite role, I’m passionate about inspiring other women to embrace leadership, take strategic risks, and influence industries in meaningful ways. The question you can ask yourself is "Am I making a difference?" Many times, the difference can be the impact of just one person, or it could be a change for many, but even that one will affect the lives of others in a great way!
Q: What's been the secret to success?
A: My secret is no real secret just bring a great "can do" attitude, willingness to serve, ability to roll up the sleeves and get into the details and have a vision for the end goal. Never accept no, keep asking and figure out a way. Always lean on God for the right pathway.
