UnityPoint Health - Meriter Names Arnett as New CEO

UnityPoint Health – Meriter is pleased to announce that James Arnett has been selected to serve as UnityPoint Health – Meriter President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 26, 2022.

Arnett currently holds the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and has been with the organization for twenty years, beginning his career in Human Resources. This change was confirmed unanimously by the UnityPoint Health – Meriter Board of Directors on June 14. 

“We are incredibly confident in James’ experience and his ability to lead Madison’s community hospital forward. This will be a very smooth transition, since James already has strong relationships with our providers, team members, community and partners at UW Health,” said Margaret Noreuil, PhD, RN, Chair, Board of Directors. “We also thank Sue Erickson for her many years of local leadership and wish her the very best as she takes on a well-deserved, expanded leadership role at UnityPoint Health.”

Current CEO Sue Erickson will remain with UnityPoint Health, parent organization of Meriter, where she will serve as COO of the three-state health system. “Meriter will always hold a very soft spot in my heart. We are so lucky to have such outstanding healthcare in this community, and I look forward to watching Meriter continue to adapt and progress to serve this community,” said Erickson. “I have nothing but faith in James as he leads Meriter and continues to prioritize the high-quality care and experience that we are known for. The organization is in outstanding hands.” 

Arnett is a Wisconsin native and received a BBA in Human Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, as well as an MBA with an emphasis in healthcare administration from Concordia University. In his free time, he enjoys running, hunting, reading and coaching youth sports.