Kootenai Health Welcomes Duke Walker, FACHE, as Chief Operating Officer

Kootenai Health is pleased to announce Duke Walker, FACHE, MBA, MS, as Chief Operating Officer.

Walker will join the organization on Aug. 25.

Walker brings extensive experience in health care leadership, operations, and strategic planning. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations for Lee Health System in Fort Myers, Florida. Lee Health is a $3 billion health system that includes multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities.

“We are excited to welcome Duke to Kootenai Health,” said Jameson Smith, Kootenai Health CEO. “His leadership experience in large, complex health systems will be invaluable as we continue to advance our vision of becoming a comprehensive regional referral center. Duke will be a great addition to the executive team.”

Prior to his role at Lee Health, Walker served as Chief Operating Officer and interim COO at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a 422-bed regional medical center and Ascension Wisconsin’s largest hospital providing advanced specialty care.

“I am honored to be selected and looking forward to joining Kootenai Health,” said Walker. “Kootenai Health is growing with the community and I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with the team to further the mission and vision of the health system. My family and I want to get involved in the community and explore some of the outdoor activities in the area.”

Originally from Arkansas, Walker holds a Master of Business Administration in health care management from King University in Bristol, Tennessee, a Master of Science in physical therapy from the University of Central Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Science in health science, also from the University of Central Arkansas. He is also board-certified in health care management as a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Walker started his career as a physical therapist before transitioning into health system leadership.