Paris, TN – West Tennessee Healthcare has announced the appointment of Paula C. Bell as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Henry County Hospital.
Bell, who has served as Director of Pharmacy at West Tennessee Healthcare—Henry County since 2018, brings a distinguished career in healthcare leadership, clinical excellence, and community-focused innovation to her new role.
A Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist with extensive experience in hospital operations, clinical pharmacy, and healthcare administration, Bell has been instrumental in advancing patient-centered care, expanding access to vital services, and leading critical initiatives such as the 340B Program and COVID-19 vaccine response efforts . Her leadership in developing Henry County Hospital’s first ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency program and her work in opioid reduction demonstrate her commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at Henry County Hospital,” Bell said. “This organization has been my home for years, and I am passionate about continuing our mission to provide exceptional, compassionate care to our community. Together with our incredible team, I look forward to driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality healthcare.”
Tina Prescott, President and CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare , praised Bell’s appointment: “Paula’s visionary leadership, clinical expertise, and dedication to community health make her the ideal choice to lead Henry County Hospital. Her ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining a focus on patient care aligns perfectly with our system’s values. We are excited to see the positive impact she will make in this new role.”
Bell earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy (2007) and completed an Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency with an emphasis in Academia (2008). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Cum Laude) from the University of Alabama (2001) and has served in key roles at Baptist Memorial Healthcare, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, and Union University School of Pharmacy. Her career has been defined by a relentless focus on improving medication safety, expanding healthcare access, and fostering collaborative care models. She and her husband Jonathan, both Paris natives, live in Paris with their two children Jon Carter, (13), and Katie (11). Jonathan is a mortgage loan officer for Cardinal Financial.