Heartland Whole Health Institute in Bentonville has hired Jack Sisson, a senior advisor to Gov. Sarah Sanders, as vice president of policy and strategic planning. The appointment is effective Sept. 8, the institute announced Wednesday (Aug. 27).
The institute was founded in 2019 by philanthropist Alice Walton and focuses on health care transformation by working with the health care industry to develop new payment models, predictive analytics and virtual care technology. In May, the institute opened a three-story, 85,000-square-foot building at 850 Museum Way on the 134-acre campus that includes Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Sisson previously was senior advisor for health care and policy director for Gov. Sanders. During his nearly 15-year tenure in government and policy, he has worked with Sanders in multiple roles. In Washington, D.C., Sisson was health policy advisor to U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and aide to U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan. He was also an adviser to Gov. Mike Huckabee and U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.
In his new role, Sisson will lead the development and implementation of health policy strategies, establish strategic partnerships, and oversee organizational initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes in Arkansas “through systems transformation, payment reform, and value-based care,” the release shows.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jack Sisson to our leadership team,” said Dr. Claude Pirtle, president of Heartland Whole Health Institute. “His deep experience in federal and state government, especially his understanding of Arkansas’s unique health care landscape, and unwavering dedication to improving the health of Arkansans and the Heartland will bring invaluable perspective to our work.”
“I’m honored to join Heartland Whole Health Institute and excited to work alongside such a passionate and forward-thinking team,” Sisson said. “Following years in public service, I’m excited to work with an organization dedicated to improving health outcomes and creating lasting change for future generations.”