Hospital CEO accepts new health care position in Texas
Thom Smith's last day is Nov. 18
Staff reporter
The board of directors of Marion County Hospital District #1 acknowledged the resignation Tuesday of Thom Smith, Chief Executive Officer of St. Luke Hospital & Living Center.
Smith was hired a year ago by the board and Quorum Health Resources (QHR), to provide leadership to the medical facility when Doug Newman, a Banner HealthSystems employee, departed with the management company.
Why the change? The offer of an opportunity of a lifetime.
Smith has accepted a position as associate director of Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.
"It serves two hospitals in Temple and Waco, and six clinics in different areas," said Smith.
The opportunity came and Smith took it.
"It's a great opportunity," Smith said.
He does have some regrets about leaving the leadership role of St. Luke Hospital, Living Center, and Marion County Home Care.
"If I'm going to leave, this is the best time," said Smith. He praised the current staff at the facility.
Smith explained he categorized employees by performance and potential with "superstar" being the highest compliment.
"Every person in a leadership position are 'superstars'," said Smith, and have hardworking staff members.
Smith was hired when the facility was beginning its first year as an independent operation. The hospital, living center, and home care facilities ended the year with a profit. Smith attributes the success to those around him.
"The community, St. Luke Foundation, St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary, QHR, and most importantly, the staff made it a successful transition," said Smith.
Work for the veterans administration is something Smith has wanted to do.
He retired from the military after serving 22 years when he came to Marion.
"I've taken care of servicemen for 22 years," said Smith. "When I retired, I wanted to continue to do this."
He also wants to continue to serve his country, and believes this is a good way to do so.
With Smith's departure in a couple of weeks, QHR will appoint an interim CEO within a month to six weeks. The interim may be a retired CEO from a similar-size hospital.
"They usually bring a wealth of knowledge," said Smith.
The hospital board and QHR will begin the process of searching for a new CEO.
Plans are lining up well for Smith and his family — a dream job serving the military. But leaving isn't easy.
"It's tough to walk away when you see progress in what you set out to accomplish," said Smith.
The Smiths will reside in Temple, Texas.
