NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Chief Quality Officer Nick Baldetti explained that there is a difference between the resignation of former CEO Ken Johnson and the departure of Chief Strategy Officer Chuck Welch.
"Ken Johnson, his resignation was really his decision," Baldetti said. "Timing was a little bit of a surprise, but that was his decision. In terms of the Chief Strategy Officer position, held by Chuck Welch, as part of, like any business, self-evaluation, looking at the value of positions and kind of the structure, that Chief Strategy Officer role that Chuck Welch had done an enviable job for three years. It was just a system decision, that moving forward, for the future of the organization, that Chief Strategy Officer position was no longer needed."
There will be an interim CEO during the nationwide search for a new hospital leader. That person, who does not currently work in Hutchinson, will be installed in the coming days.
"The board has been actively engaged," Baldetti said. "The interim CEO is hoped to be on site before the end of the year, starting into 2023."
The board is committed to making a proper hire, not a hurried hire for Johnson's permanent replacement.
"Moving forward, in terms of a CEO search, I do believe that they are committed to ensuring the best fit, in line with the mission of Hutchinson Regional and ensuring high quality access to health care for Hutchinson, Reno County and the greater Midwest. That's the driving force for the successor for CEO, for Hutchinson Regional."
There is no word on future plans for either Johnson or Welch as of Thursday.
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