Dr. Roxane Townsend, former CEO of the Health Care Services Division of LSU Health System, Baton Rouge, La., was named CEO of UAMS Medical Center and vice chancellor for clinical programs for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, both in Little Rock.

Townsend, 55, on Feb. 1 will succeed Richard Pierson, 67. Pierson is retiring at the end of December after 31 years at UAMS, according to a news release. Melissa Fontaine, UAMS Medical Center COO and associate vice chancellor for clinical programs, will serve as interim CEO until Townsend begins, according to the release.

Townsend was removed as CEO at LSU's Health Care Services Division in September following the naming of a new head for LSU Health. She reportedly is concerned about the direction of healthcare delivery in the state under Gov. Bobby Jindal, according to an article in the Baton Rouge Advocate.