Sam Lynd

Sam Lynd is the Chief Executive Officer of NEA Baptist, a healthcare organization based in Jonesboro, Arkansas, which serves the Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri regions. He has been in this role since April 2020, following a series of leadership positions within the Baptist Memorial Health Care system.

Education and Early Career

Lynd holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Business Administration with a focus on Health Care Management from the University of Alabama. He furthered his education by obtaining both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His career in healthcare began unexpectedly; he initially pursued journalism but shifted to healthcare management after an internship at a hospital during college.14

Professional Experience

Before becoming CEO, Lynd served in various capacities at NEA Baptist and other Baptist facilities:

• Chief Operating Officer at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis (2019-2020)
• Administrator and CEO at Baptist Memorial Hospital - Tipton and the Baptist Cancer Center (2014-2019)
• Associate Administrator roles at NEA Baptist and Baptist Memorial Hospital - Union County.34

Lynd's leadership emphasizes coaching and developing staff to improve patient outcomes, which he considers the ultimate goal of healthcare.4

Personal Life

Sam Lynd resides in Jonesboro with his wife, Chaney, and their two children, Copley and Henry. He is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and has been recognized for his contributions to healthcare leadership.23