The Emporia Gazette

May 28, 2012

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ONE OF THE MOST frequent questions I am asked is how the search is going for our new chief executive officer. I am pleased to report that things are progressing well and the board of trustees anticipates completing their selection by the end of this month. We appreciate your interest and we certainly want to keep you informed of our selection process.

The hiring of a CEO is one of the primary duties of the hospital’s board of trustees. The job description outlines the principle duties of the CEO position such as providing administrative oversight to all business, administrative and executive functions of the hospital. It also clearly defines the many responsibilities related to legal, financial, personnel, medical staff, and operational activities as well as the need for community involvement and oversight of the hospital’s quality standards. All these duties and responsibilities are at the direction of the hospital’s governing board and subject at all times to their authority and approval.

Although every hospital CEO position requires candidates with experience, skills and qualities, each hospital’s situation is unique in many regards. Therefore, our first step was to obtain input from the Newman Board of Trustees regarding the unique requirements for this position and to identify the positive aspects about the position, hospital and community that would be appealing to potential candidates. The medical staff and hospital management also provide an important voice in defining the next CEO. The goal then, is to not only find a well qualified candidate, but one which will be a good fit for the community and vice versa.

The board will look specifically at the work experience of each candidate, so that it matches well with the needs of a community hospital our size. Leadership styles vary, but a team approach, consensus builder and participative style of management will be important. Desirable personal qualities include a strong work ethic, a positive can-do attitude, integrity/genuineness and relationship skills. We will be looking for a candidate who sees healthcare as an important and accessible service to our community as well as a business.

The top three candidates will each spend 2 days in Emporia the week of Sept. 22. There will be tours of the hospital and the city, including visits to schools, neighborhoods, and recreational, cultural, spiritual and other sites of interest. The candidate will have a full schedule of interviews and meetings with the board, medical staff, senior management, and department directors. Following the interviews, the board will meet to select their preferred candidate and an offer will be made. Upon acceptance, we hope to announce our new CEO by Oct. 1st and have him or her on-site by the first part of November.

Anyone who is in a position of hiring people knows that looking over the applicant is just half of the equation. The candidate is also evaluating the attractiveness of the position and the facility. The hospital and the community must sell itself so that we can attract the best candidate for the job. Emporia has a lot to offer and we know we can depend on you, the people, to help us sell our community.