Cole Williamson

American Data Network was built around Cole Williamson.

“When I came on in 1996, there was really only one employee at that time,” Williamson said, “myself.”

Williamson was working in strategic planning and development at Baptist Health Medical Center when one of the hospital’s senior vice presidents approached Williamson about the job. “I said, ‘Certainly.’”

The company started as Arkansas Data Network but eventually shifted nationwide and changed its name. Twenty-five people are now employed at the company’s Little Rock office.

Through Williamson’s leadership, the company has grown substantially, he said.

“When I came on board, ADN was a single product, a software application, and it was focused here in Arkansas,” he said. “Since that time, we have expanded into an entire suite of online applications. We’ve expanded to include not just software, but services as well.”

Williamson said about 200 facilities across 30 states use ADN’s services.

The network works with health care organizations, providing applications to monitor hospital care, keep records of patient safety issues, work through accreditation and more. Williamson said he encourages his employees to work closely with clients, helping them collect and analyze information.

“What I expect is for individuals to act with integrity, then own their results,” he said. “We deal with very sensitive information from the health care arena. A lot’s at stake, not only the reputation of the organization, but also of those directly providing care.”

“We have an incredible staff that is very skilled at what we do,” Williamson said. “We have a very low turnover.”

ADN boasts a 90 percent employee retention rate and a 92 percent client retention rate, he said.