Duke Walker

Duke Walker is an experienced healthcare executive currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Kootenai Health since August 2025. Previously, Duke held the position of Vice President of Operations at Lee Health, overseeing health system-wide operations for Musculoskeletal Medicine, Orthopedics, Spine, Neurosurgery, Trauma, Physical Medicine, Imaging, and Rehabilitation services from July 2023 to July 2025. An interim COO at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital earlier in 2023, Duke managed a 422-bed regional medical center. Prior to that role, Duke was Vice President of Operations at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, where efforts contributed to turnaround operations and financial performance. Duke began a career in healthcare management at HCA Healthcare as Director of Rehabilitation and Orthopedics & Spine Service Line Administrator, focusing on service line management and inpatient rehabilitation. Education credentials include a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from King University and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas.