FORREST CITY MEDICAL CENTER WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Forrest City, AR, June 4, 2018 – Forrest City Medical Center recently welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors. Dr. Florine Bingham Milligan, Dr. Cathie Cline, and Dr. George Conner, all of Forrest City, have joined the hospital’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Florine Bingham Milligan, a retired educator, retired corporate manager, pastor and teacher, has long been involved in the growth and development of eastern Arkansas’ business community. She served in start-up HR and TQM at Boar’s Head Provisions, and as Director of Guidance at East Arkansas Community College. She also has served in roles of both teacher and counselor in the Forrest City and Lee County School Districts. Dr. Milligan, owner of Milligan Coaching and Consulting, currently serves as Founder and Pastor of Fresh Anointing Ministries Church in Forrest City.
Dr. Cathie Cline has deep journalism and education roots in eastern Arkansas, where she is a lifelong resident. Dr. Cline has served as freelance writer, business reporter, feature writer, reporter, and editor of numerous publications including the Daily Times Herald, the Commercial Appeal, Memphis Magazine, and the Daily News among others. For two years Dr. Cline held the position of Director of Community Relations at the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce. She also has served since 1999 in various capacities at East Arkansas Community College, where she took the helm as president in January of this year.
Dr. George Conner has served as a member of the medical staff at the local hospital since 1987. First affiliated with the group practice of Forrest View Medical Center, Dr. Conner began his solo practice of Forrest City Family Practice Clinic in 1993 where he continues to day treating patients from the eastern Arkansas area. Prior to coming to Forrest City, Dr. Conner completed a three-year residency in Family Practice at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Gadsden, Alabama, which is affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“We are pleased to welcome our three newest members to our Board of Trustees,” said Kevin Decker, CEO at Forrest City Medical Center.” They each have backgrounds with diverse experiences that will be an asset to the Board of Trustees and our organization. We appreciate their willingness to serve as we strive to provide for the healthcare and wellness needs of the citizens of Eastern Arkansas.”
Each new FCMC board member has displayed extensive involvement in community, civic, and professional organizations. Dr. Milligan has served in Arkansas education, the recruitment of Boar’s Head Provisions, served as Chairman of the Forrest City Chamber of Commerce, served on the Board of Trustees at Arkansas State University and the Arkansas Higher Education Commission. She also was awarded the PCCCA Coach Trainer of the Year.
Dr. Cline is a member of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, Rotary Club International, University of Virginia Alumni Association, Arkansas State University Alumni Association, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni Association. She has been a member of numerous other organizations including Arkansas Philological Association, Kiwanis Club, Forrest City Education Foundation, and Phi Kappa Phi honor society at Arkansas State University.
Dr. Conner, board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, the Arkansas Medical Society, and the Southern Medical Association. He was nominated by patients and selected as the recipient of the Fay Boozman Award in 2013.
Dr. Conner has twice served as Chief of Staff at Forrest City Medical Center, from 1994 to 1996, and from 2007 to 2009.
Dr. Milligan, Dr. Cline, and Dr. Conner join existing board members Larry Higgins of Marianna, Chief of Staff Dr. James P. (Jim) DeRossitt, III of Forrest City, Vice-Chairman Mike Davis of Wynne, and Chairman Dr. Sudesh Banaji of Forrest City.