Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – SHARP PHO, one of the nation’s largest independent, regional Physician Hospital Organizations, named Katherine “Katie” Prescott its new Chief Executive Officer on Sept. 30 following the retirement of long-time CEO Beverly Nix.

Prescott has served as General Counsel for SHARP (St. Bernards Healthcare Associated Regional Providers) since April 2021, drafting and reviewing all legal documents, counseling on legal compliance and providing strategic advisement.

Prior to her tenure with SHARP, Prescott served as Senior Associate General Counsel for the Arkansas State University System, a position she held for more than a decade. She now leads a premier PHO that connects healthcare providers, employers and patients to optimize healthcare delivery.

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“I’m honored to serve our providers, our employers, and our members,” said Prescott. “SHARP’s focus remains on supporting our providers and empowering our self-insured employers. Doing so ensures that patients across our region will continue to receive streamlined, high-quality and affordable coordinated care.”

Prescott earned her Juris Doctor from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis in 2007, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arkansas State University. She successfully built a legal practice focused on healthcare law, contract law, employment law and intellectual property law.

Prescott now assumes the leadership reins at SHARP PHO from founding CEO Beverly Nix, who guided the organization from its inception. Under Nix’s direction, SHARP grew to support over 600,000 lives, expanding its regional reach across twenty-one counties while incorporating providers across state lines.

“It’s been an honor to work alongside this team the past 33 years,” said Nix, “but handing the reins to someone of Katie’s caliber, vision and dedication gives me absolute confidence in the future for SHARP and the communities we serve.”

Vonda Houchin, M.D., SHARP PHO Board Chair, said Nix has been an incredible asset to the organization for the past 30-plus years. She added that appointing Prescott as CEO role ensures a seamless transition.

“We’re confident in the future of SHARP,” said Dr. Houchin. “Ms. Nix has positioned us for success, and we anticipate Ms. Prescott only growing how we serve this region.”

Chris Barber, President and CEO of St. Bernards Healthcare, praised the selection of Prescott.

“SHARP has selected a proven and capable leader to guide the organization into its next era of service and growth,” Barber said “building upon the strong foundation that’s already there.”

Deeply integrated within Northeast Arkansas, Prescott maintains an active civic presence. She has served on the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce Board since 2023, acting as the Chamber’s Treasurer for 2025-2026 and presiding over the Craighead County Bar Association twice.

Her background also includes service with the St. Bernards Women’s Advisory Council, the Jonesboro Church Health Center, Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro and the Northeast Arkansas Family Crisis Center, among others.

Today, SHARP PHO encompasses more than 4,300 providers and 173 facilities, covering more than 685,000 lives. It provides patients access to comprehensive medical services locally and at tertiary referral centers in Little Rock and Memphis.

More information about SHARP PHO is found here or by calling 870-972-0032.

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