Arkansas Children’s, a children’s health care system based in Little Rock, Arkansas, announced Wednesday the hiring of an experienced health care attorney to lead its legal team.

Brent Thompson will begin his role as senior vice president and chief legal officer Jan. 7. He replaces Rhonda McKinnis who served as senior vice president and general counsel. A spokesperson for Arkansas Children’s said she is now working with Phoenix Children’s Hospital as corporate counsel. Thompson is the first person at Arkansas Children’s to hold the title of chief legal officer.