Board welcomes new CEO of Tehachapi Hospital
Board welcomes new CEO of Tehachapi Hospital
By: Carin Enovijas, Tehachapi News Editor
Topics: hospital, tvhd
Posted by editor Tue May 29, 2007 10:39:59 PDT
Viewed 373 times
0 responses 0 comments Tehachapi Hospital’s Board of Directors selected a new CEO on May 22 following a brief, closed session meeting.
Alan Burgess, of Yreka, Calif., was welcomed by board members, hospital staff and Interim CEO, Bob Duncan. Burgess holds a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and is a former CEO of community health and hospital facilities of various sizes. He is also a Credentialed Fellow of the American Academy of Medicacl Administrators, and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“Mr. Burgess was the last to interview in person and were were really impressed,” said Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District (TVHD) Director, Dr. Susan Hall. “We were blown away. We didn’t expect to be as impressed as we were. He answered all our questions very concisely and seemed to know exactly what needed to be done. He was not afraid to say some of the hard choices that may be ahead for us.”
Hall said the board began their search in December as soon as former CEO Ray Hino’s resignation created the vacancy.
“The overall process started with our first meeting as a new board,” Hall said.
She added that Duncan’s suggestion to place an internet ad with the American Hospital Executive Association resulted in more than 20 applicants, saving the board the expense of hiring a search firm and as much as $75,000.
“He [Duncan] got the ball rolling. We didn’t go dark in December. We knew we had to get this business done and that it would take awhile,” said Hall.
She also expressed gratitude on behalf of the board for Duncan’s steadfast commitment to TVHD.
“Throughout the whole process, Bob Duncan was very helpful and positive and understanding of our needs and goals,” Hall said. “Mr. Duncan was clearly in the running from the beginning, he’s very personable and he’s been working very hard for the district, helping to achieve our goals. We also wanted to make sure to find the best candidate available for the district.”
According to Hall, candidates were pre-screened by telephone interview, then selected for in-person interviews. The board attempted to get as much feedback from people who work for – and with – the hospital as possible. Hall said all managers at the hospital were invited to participate, offer feedback and their impressions of the candidates. Hospital Chief of Staff, Dr. Terry Warsaw and members of the Tehachapi Hospital Guild and Tehachapi Hospital Foundation also participated.
Burgess was selected from a second round of telephone interviews after a top candidate accepted another offer. He was the last to interview.
“He had the most number one and two votes from hospital staff. A top choice,” said Hall, adding, “We went right along with what the employees wanted, so I think everybody should be happy.”
Hall said Mr. Burgess is a really nice man.
“Nice, but not too nice,” she added. “Sometimes you have to be tough to be able to make those hard choices and stick with them.”
TVHD CEO contract details
Alan Burgess will begin work as CEO of Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District on June 1, with an annual salary of $130,000. The criteria of an additional performance bonus package, with a cap of $6,000 annually, will be decided upon by the board within the next four weeks.
Other compensation includes moving expenses of $3,000, maximum, and reimbursement for professional association dues not to exceed $500 a year.
Interim CEO Bob Duncan will remain on board during a one month overlap.
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