Ozarks Healthcare has named Rachel Garlitos as its new Human Resources Director, recognizing her 18 years of experience in human resources and her commitment to supporting employees and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Garlitos joined Ozarks Healthcare in 2023 as Human Resources Operations Manager, where she worked closely with leaders and employees across the health system to support daily operations, navigate internal processes and address workforce needs. In her new role, she will oversee key human resources functions, including recruitment, talent management, training and development, occupational health and compliance.
“Our employees are the foundation of the care we provide to our communities, and strong human resources leadership is essential to supporting them,” Terence Farrell, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, said. “Rachel brings valuable experience, a collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to helping our team succeed. We look forward to her leadership as we continue building a workplace where our employees feel supported, valued and equipped to provide exceptional care.”
For Garlitos, the opportunity to lead human resources at Ozarks Healthcare represents both a professional milestone and a meaningful personal commitment to serving others. She said she views supporting healthcare employees as an important part of ensuring patients receive safe, high-quality care.
“What I enjoy most about working in human resources is advocating for our workforce, knowing that investing in staff well-being is fundamental to delivering safe, high-quality patient care,” Garlitos said.
Her connection to Ozarks Healthcare began before she joined the organization professionally. In 2020, her father-in-law received care at the health system, and the kindness and compassion shown by employees left a lasting impression. That experience helped draw her to an organization with a strong presence in West Plains and a commitment to the health and well-being of the surrounding communities.
During her time as Human Resources Operations Manager, Garlitos gained a broad perspective on the employee experience by working with departments throughout the organization. She said the opportunity to collaborate with department leaders and her human resources colleagues helped strengthen her knowledge and prepare her for the responsibilities of the director position.
Throughout her career, Garlitos has emphasized the importance of building trust, maintaining fairness and transparency, and developing strong relationships across all levels of an organization. She believes employees are more engaged when they feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions and knowing their contributions are valued.
As she steps into the new role, Garlitos plans to begin by listening to department leaders and Human Resources team members to better understand workforce challenges, departmental needs and opportunities for growth. She hopes to strengthen collaboration, support employee development and help build a workplace culture in which team members understand how their individual roles contribute to Ozarks Healthcare’s broader mission.
“I want our team to know that my leadership is built on collaboration, transparency and a genuine investment in their success,” Garlitos said. “To me, HR is more than a department — it is a strategic enabler of an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.”
Through her leadership, Garlitos aims to help Ozarks Healthcare continue attracting and retaining talented employees while ensuring its workforce has the support, resources and opportunities needed to succeed. By investing in employees and fostering a strong organizational culture, Ozarks Healthcare remains committed to supporting the people who care for its patients and communities every day.
