AMS Names Carl Vogelpohl Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Casey Penn, Communications | 501-224-8967 | cpenn@arkmed.org | arkmed.org

Veteran Arkansas Leader Brings Experience in Healthcare, Public Policy, and Emerging Technology as Society Begins Planned Leadership Transition

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 1, 2026) — The Arkansas Medical Society Executive Committee and Board of Trustees announce the appointment of Carl Vogelpohl, a veteran Arkansas leader with experience across healthcare, government, public policy, and the private sector, as the organization’s executive director. Vogelpohl begins his role July 1, with longtime Executive Vice President David Wroten, Of Counsel, to ensure a smooth transition ahead of Wroten’s full retirement in 2027.

Vogelpohl joins AMS after serving as senior advisor to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, part of a career spanning more than 30 years of leadership in the public and private sectors. His background includes senior roles in state and federal government, healthcare administration, and private-sector work with hospitals, surgery centers, and physician practices. Vogelpohl also serves on the national leadership faculty for the National Association of Attorneys General.

“For more than a decade, Carl Vogelpohl has been one of my most senior and trusted advisors – in Congress, as lieutenant governor, and now as attorney general,” said Griffin. “The Arkansas Medical Society is gaining a leader with tremendous experience, knowledge, and capabilities. I know Carl is ready for this challenge, and he is ready to bring his skills and experience to bear to take the Society to the next level.”

“Our Board conducted a thorough search with a clear sense of what this moment requires,” said AMS President Naveen Patil, MD. “Physicians need a strong voice in the policy decisions that affect their practices and their patients. Carl understands healthcare, public policy, and organizational leadership, and we are confident he is the right leader to move the Society forward.”

Vogelpohl’s career in healthcare began early, including health center administration and more than 15 years in the private sector working with hospitals, surgery centers, and physician practices. He later held senior government roles, including chief of staff positions in Congress and Arkansas state government. He also brings focused executive education in artificial intelligence and emerging technology, including advanced certifications from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and Vanderbilt University.

“The Arkansas Medical Society has spent more than 150 years advancing medicine and advocating for physicians,” said Vogelpohl. “My responsibility is to build on that foundation by strengthening physician engagement, expanding the Society’s influence, and ensuring Arkansas physicians have a powerful voice in the decisions that shape healthcare. I’m honored by the Board’s confidence and eager to get to work.”

The Arkansas Medical Society is a physician-formed and physician-led organization dedicated to empowering physicians and improving medicine in Arkansas. Learn more at arkmed.org.

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