By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

After being introduced to a conflict between the hospital and Lanning Pharmacy, St. Luke Hospital’s new chief executive, Alex Haines, stepped to the helm Aug. 30.

He replaces Jeremy Ensey.

Haines, formerly vice president of clinic operations at Newton Medical Center, is a Marion resident. His wife, Alysha Haines, is a nurse practitioner at St. Luke Clinic and Hospital.

He also has directed provider-based services at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado and was clinic practice manager at Via Christi Clinic in Wichita.

“St. Luke Hospital and Living Center has a great reputation in the region,” Haines said. “I’m looking forward to working with the providers and staff to continue building on the strong legacy.”

He plans to spend his first month getting to know the staff, then about six months setting priorities for the hospital.

“The good thing about being new is I can come in with a fresh outlook on things,” Haines said.

He has a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Emporia State University and a master’s degree in health care leadership from Friends University.

He leads Sunday school at Eastmoor United Methodist Church and is a football and baseball coach for Marion Recreation League.

He was honored by Wichita Business Journal in 2020 as a member of its “40 under 40” class.

“As someone who has lived in this community for the past nine years, I’m honored to have the opportunity to contribute on a daily basis,” Haines said.