Photo of  Mark RanatzaMark Ranatza, M.H.A, B.S.N, R.N., has accepted the position of Chief Nursing Officer at Arkansas Children's Northwest (ACNW). He will join the Arkansas Children's team effective March 31, after relocating from New Orleans. 

Mark brings a wealth of experience in pediatric healthcare operations and leadership, with a strong track record of driving innovation and improving patient care. Before joining Arkansas Children's, he served as assistant vice president of hospital operations at Manning Family Children's (formerly Children's Hospital New Orleans), where he played a key role in expanding behavioral health services, including leading the development of a 70,000-square-foot behavioral health center.

In collaboration with the chief medical officer at Manning Family Children's, Mark also transformed medical coverage by integrating two academic programs and expanding the role of advanced practice providers in behavioral health. Additionally, he spearheaded the implementation of a virtual sitter platform, reducing in-person staffing needs and cutting agency costs by nearly 50%.

Mark has a diverse background spanning hematology-oncology, critical care, emergency services, and behavioral health. His leadership has been instrumental in improving patient experience scores and enhancing operational efficiency. In 2023, Manning Family Children's achieved its highest inpatient behavioral health patient satisfaction scores in four years, surpassing national benchmarks.