Sparks, Summit Hospital Systems Name Gary Blan as New CEO

Gary Blan, the CEO of Sparks Health System and Summit Medical Center.

Sparks Health System of Fort Smith and Summit Medical Center announced Wednesday that Gary Blan will be its chief executive officer.

Blan replaced Melody Trimble, who was promoted in January to president of Health Management Associates’ Southern and Western Group.

The Fort Smith native said in a news release that he looks forward to continuing to advance Sparks and Summit by recruiting health care providers and specialties and improving the facilities.

Blan has more than 30 years of experience in health care leadership roles.

Blan received a master’s degree in health care administration from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and journalism from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla.