About six months after becoming acting president/CEO, Reid Health Governing Board has hired Ben Wells as Reid Health’s leader.
Wells had served as acting president/CEO since February after Craig Kinyon, the organization’s president/CEO for nearly 17 years, requested an indefinite leave of absence.
In a Sept. 4 news release, Wells said it’s an honor to continue serving Reid’s employees, patients and families and communities.
“Our staff works incredibly hard each day to be our best, providing you with the compassionate, high-quality care you expect and deserve from us,” he said. “It’s a privilege to serve those who entrust us with their health and the health of their loved ones.”
Reid’s board conducted an extensive process to find the health system’s new leader. Wells becomes the eighth leader in Reid’s 120-year history.
“Ben was the ideal candidate,” said Mark Harrington, chair. “He’s done an outstanding job over these past six months, and we’re confident his leadership will take us where we need to go into the future.”
Wells joined Reid in July 2024 as its chief financial officer, bringing more than 15 years of experience working for healthcare systems in Oklahoma, Illinois and Alabama.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin, and a master’s in healthcare administration from Auburn University at Montgomery in Montgomery, Alabama.
Wells said during his time with Reid, he’s been impressed by providers’ engagement, quality staff and the potential to impact its eight-county service area.
“As an independent rural health system, we play an extremely important role in elevating the communities we serve,” Wells said. “In playing that role, we understand we’re part of the community and people and relationships matter. We will continue to work hard to earn your trust.”
A version of this article will appear in the September 10 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.