John Fincher

About John Fincher

I’ve spent the last 20 years leading aspects of strategy and operations in higher education and healthcare, focusing on building strong teams, optimizing resources, and driving meaningful change. At the University of Central Arkansas, I oversaw large teams, managed complex budgets, and shaped institutional strategy, ultimately serving as Assistant Vice President. Now, at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, I bring that leadership experience to healthcare administration, working to advance initiatives that improve pediatric care.

Experience

1. Director of Strategic Operations

   Arkansas Children's

   Jul 2024 — Present

   In my role as Director of Strategic Operations at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, I’m responsible for facilitating the development of an updated strategic vision and subsequently monitoring the progress of its implementation. Reporting directly to the ACRI President, I play a role similar to a Chief of Staff, focused on executing initiatives that improve efficiency, foster collaboration, and align research operations. Additionally, I oversee efforts to streamline internal processes within the President’s Office and Executive Team, ensuring smooth operations and clear, effective communication across key areas. This position allows me to draw on my background in strategic planning and organizational management to help ACRI drive research advancements that make a difference in pediatric healthcare.Key Responsibilities: • Strategic Planning and Alignment: Lead the development and execution of ACRI’s strategic plan, ensuring every initiative supports the institute’s mission and organizational objectives. •Operational Efficiency and Collaboration: Work with ACRI and Arkansas Children’s Hospital leaders to streamline workflows, enhance financial outcomes, and optimize research productivity. • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Track progress against strategic goals, analyze data, and provide insights to senior leadership to guide resource allocation and drive informed decision-making. • Faculty Development and Support: Oversee logistics and support efforts around recruitment and retention for faculty investigators, ensuring alignment with ACRI’s long-term priorities. •Executive Support and Strategic Advising: Act as a strategic advisor to the ACRI President, representing him in key meetings and providing consistent updates on operational and strategic progress.

Education

• University of Central Arkansas

  Master of Science (M.S.)

• University of Central Arkansas

  Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

• University of Alabama

  Doctor of Education - Ed.D. (Currently ABD)

Skills

• Higher Education
• Student Affairs
• Event Planning
• Leadership Development
• Research
• Educational Technology
• Microsoft Office
• Strategy
• Fundraising
• Staff Development
• Program Development
• Teaching
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Student Development
• Public Speaking
• Community Outreach
• Academic Advising