Hillcrest HealthCare System names Jason Jones CEO of Hillcrest Hospital Claremore and Hillcrest Hospital Pryor
Hillcrest Hospital Claremore CEO Dave Chaussard to retire after three decades, leaving a legacy of community service and a commitment to outstanding care
Jason Jones has been named chief executive officer of Hillcrest Hospital Claremore and Hillcrest Hospital Pryor, effective Aug. 1. Jones will replace Claremore CEO Dave Chaussard, who has announced plans to retire, and former Pryor CEO Doug Weaver, who retired in April.
Jones assumes his new role following nine years at Fannin Regional Hospital in Blue Ridge, Georgia, where he served as CEO since 2019 and previously as chief nursing officer for six years. A native of Claremore, Jones began his career as a registered nurse at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City before working for Deaconess Hospital for 12 years in a variety of roles, including nurse recruiter and assistant chief nursing officer.
“As a nurse and a proven health care operations leader, Jason’s clinical and hospital leadership experience make him a unique fit to continue moving health care forward in Claremore and Pryor,” said Kevin Gross, president and CEO of Hillcrest HealthCare System. “Growing up in Claremore gives Jason a deep understanding of the communities we serve. His collaborative approach to care delivery and patient-first mindset tie together quality care with patient and employee satisfaction – further ensuring the experience of everyone in our facilities.”
“I am excited to return to Claremore and Pryor to join my family and serve the community I call home,” said Jones. “I look forward to joining the teams at Pryor and Claremore to learn how we can continue to improve patient care and employee experience. Health care faces unique challenges today and I’m encouraged by the strong foundation we have at both facilities to build a successful future.”
Jones will replace Claremore CEO Dave Chaussard. With 32 years of service at the hospital, Chaussard has served as CEO since 2004. He originally joined the hospital as chief nursing officer in 1990. Among numerous accomplishments during his tenure, Chaussard led the hospital’s successful integration with Hillcrest HealthCare System and oversaw the development of a medical office building and ambulatory surgery center.
During his time at Hillcrest, Chaussard has received numerous honors, including Ardent Health Services’ CEO of the Year and a Citation of Commendation from the Oklahoma State Legislature in 2016, 2008 and 1997. He received the Governor’s Commendation as Northeast Oklahoma Businessman of the Year in 2008 and 2012.
“Dave’s leadership has greatly impacted the success of Hillcrest Hospital Claremore, and his legacy will live on through the advancements he has helped bring to the community,” said Gross. “We are grateful for his years of service and his many contributions that can be felt far beyond our hospital walls.”
