Craig Wilson Receives Bridge Award

On May 21, 2025, Craig Wilson, JD, MPA, Interim President and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI), received the Bridge Award by Heartland Whole Health Institute. This prestigious recognition honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and excellence in advancing the quality of health care for individuals and communities. Each Bridge Award recipient will receive $1,000 and an invitation to an annual event with the Institute’s founder, Alice Walton, to discuss Arkansas’s health care needs and shape the award’s future.

Craig Wilson’s career has been defined by a relentless commitment to breaking down barriers to health care access across Arkansas. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities—shaped by his own upbringing in rural Arkansas—Craig has led initiatives that address financial, geographic, cultural, and systemic obstacles to care. His leadership at ACHI has been instrumental in shaping state health policy, expanding workforce strategies, and developing data-driven solutions that directly impact patients and providers alike. 

Under his guidance, ACHI has published the Arkansas Health Workforce Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Change and a comprehensive follow-up report, Arkansas Health Care Workforce: A Guide for Policy Action. Craig has also played a pivotal role in aligning quality measurement efforts through the Health Insurance Marketplace and in securing Arkansas’s participation in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative. 

What sets Craig apart is not only his policy expertise but his hands-on approach to leadership. Whether supporting rural hospitals in crisis or advocating for sustainable health care funding, Craig consistently shows up—bringing both strategic insight and personal commitment to every challenge. His work is not just about data and policy; it’s about ensuring that every Arkansan, regardless of zip code, has access to quality care. 

Craig Wilson’s recognition with the Bridge Award is a testament to his visionary leadership and tireless advocacy. He embodies the spirit of the award—bridging the gap between policy and people, and reshaping the future of health care in Arkansas through action, compassion, and unwavering dedication. 

“Craig has been a tireless advocate for the people of Arkansas for decades. We have all benefitted from his work, and it’s an honor to recognize him with this award.”

-Dr. Sarah Bemis, Associate Vice President of Policy and Workforce, Heartland Whole Health Institute

Members of the public are encouraged to nominate recipients for the Bridge Award through this form. Those nominating an individual should include specific and inspiring examples of why they are an excellent candidate for the award.