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Tony Calandro, is returning to Arkansas to serve as CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc., according to Al Gathright, chairman of the board of the community health center which has offices in Polk and Montgomery counties. Calandro grew up in Hot Springs and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas.

Calandro will come to HCI, Inc. from Valparaiso, IN where he currently serves as CEO of First Horizon Healthcare, Fort Worth, Texas a privately owned healthcare corporation providing healthcare services including ambulatory surgery centers, long-term acute care, rehabilitation centers and physician practice management in seven states.

The board of HCI, Inc. chose Calandro at the conclusion of a nationwide search which generated 103 applicants for the job of CEO. Applications were received from both inside and outside the United States as well as locally, according to the board chairman.

In addition to his undergraduate degree from University of Arkansas, Calandro holds a Master of Business Administration from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN and  Juris Doctor from the same university. He has also completed training through the Executive Leadership program of the American Medical Association.

In his previous position as Chief Executive Officer, Calandro was responsible for strategic planning and profit and loss management for a $125M company with 85 sites in multiple states. He has a record of being a strong communicator and strategic partner in board development and relations, Gahtright added.

Calandro also has an extensive history in community volunteerism, IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), Health Care Advisory Council in Indiana and volunteer positions in Texas and Missouri.

Gathright noted the CEO vacancy was created by the announced September retirement of Bob Young who has served in the management position for a number of years.  Calandro was hired after interviews with board members and personal meetings with staff and employees of HCI, Inc.

HCI is a Community Health Center operating under the auspices of the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) and is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center. The organization is a  member of the Primary Care Association of Arkansas.

HCI, Inc. offices are located in a newly constructed $4.2 million facility at 136 Health Park Lane, just off Hwy. 71 North, Mena and 534 Luzerne, Mount Ida.