Search Firm Named to Assist with President/CEO Search

The executive recruitment firm of B.E. Smith, based in Lenexa, KS, was selected to assist McDonough District Hospital in its search for a new president/ceo to replace Stephen R. Hopper, who will retire Jan. 7, 2011 after serving as the top administrator of MDH since 1985.

MDH Board Chairman Dr. Donald Dexter said the Board approved the selection of B.E. Smith at its Nov. 15 meeting. The firm will work with the Board search committee to develop criteria for candidates to fill the position of President/CEO of the hospital. Dexter said the search firm would meet with hospital, medical staff and community representatives to assist the Board search committee in developing the position announcement which will serve as the basis for recruiting a new chief executive officer.

The search process is expected to take up to six months to recruit and have a permanent replacement in the President/CEO position. Board policy provides that in the event a replacement President/CEO is not appointed prior to the incumbent’s departure, the chairman of the board shall appoint an acting President/CEO, with the concurrence of the board’s executive committee. Dexter said the selection of an acting CEO would be on the Board agenda for December.

Members of the search committee include all MDH board members. In addition, the President of the Medical Staff, Dr. Charles O’Neill and two past presidents of the Medical Staff, Dr. David Miller and Dr. Ed Card, serve in an advisory capacity.