Chief Administrative Officer
Conway Regional Health System
Rebekah Fincher was just a child when her family told her she has a responsibility to do all the good she can during her time on Earth. Growing up in rural Arkansas taught her something else that would define her professional aspirations — the importance of access to health care.
“Having experienced firsthand the difficulty of navigating the health care system influenced my desire and drive to make health care more accessible for all Arkansans, but especially for rural communities,” she said.
Fincher joined Conway Regional in 2010, and the past 14 years have provided her with many avenues for professional growth.
“Having the opportunity to serve as the chief administrative officer for Conway Regional Health System is something I never dreamed up,” she said. “Each day, I wake up in awe that I have an opportunity to work with such an incredible organization.”
Undergraduate and graduate studies in political science, public relations and communication gave Fincher a strong foundation in organizational dynamics, but the work itself has taught her the value of persistence and the need to learn continuously. Experience as a leader and communicator has allowed her to be a more effective mentor and coach to others in the field.
“Working with talented individuals on a day-to-day basis has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Seeing others establish goals, forge their own path and achieve their aspirations is perhaps the most fulfilling part of my career.”
To others looking to advance professionally, she recommended being authentic and empowering others.
“Seek out mentors, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges, even those that may seem out of your realm of responsibility,” she said. “Looking at every chance as an opportunity to grow is the best opportunity for learning.”
Both she and Conway Regional are working to continue paving the path women’s rights activists have been building for more than a century.
“There is still room for improvement in terms of representation in leadership roles and pay equity,” she said. “I am grateful for Conway Regional’s focus in these areas, and I view our organization’s efforts as trailblazing.”
Becoming a mother made her more mindful of the challenges women face in the workplace, she said. It can be difficult to give 100 percent to work, family, friends and spiritual life every day.
“Our kids understand that both Mom and Dad work, and sometimes that means late-night meetings, evening phone calls or projects after hours,” she said. “I am hopeful that talking about these things as a family instills a focus on hard work, loyalty and commitment for our kids.”
She added that she is happy to defy traditional gender roles and expectations as a trailblazing woman, saying “It’s important to challenge the status quo and carve out your own path,” she said, “even if it means going against conventional wisdom.”
