Movers & Shakers

Kootenai Health welcomes Walker as Chief Operating Officer

Kootenai Health is pleased to announce Duke Walker, FACHE, MBA, MS, as Chief Operating Officer. Walker will join the organization Aug. 25.

Walker brings extensive experience in health care leadership, operations, and strategic planning. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations for Lee Health System in Fort Myers, Fla. Lee Health is a $3 billion health system that includes multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities.

“We are excited to welcome Duke to Kootenai Health,” said Jameson Smith, Kootenai Health CEO. “His leadership experience in large, complex health systems will be invaluable as we continue to advance our vision of becoming a comprehensive regional referral center. Duke will be a great addition to the executive team.”

Prior to his role at Lee Health, Walker served as Chief Operating Officer and interim COO at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis., a 422-bed regional medical center and Ascension Wisconsin’s largest hospital providing advanced specialty care.

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