A search will begin this week for Barbara W. Lay’s successor as Chief Executive Officer of Pocahontas Memorial Hospital. Lay recently announced to the Board of Trustees and staff that she plans to retire October 1. This notice will provide time to select a new CEO and help with the on-boarding process.
Lay came to PMH in August 2010, at a time of financial upheaval and insecurity for the hospital. Since that time, Lay stresses that the entire hospital team – hospital staff, leadership, the board – have worked to improve quality of care, expand hospital’s services, upgrade the facility, and bring stability for its staff and patients in this ever changing healthcare environment. Lay has worked in healthcare for more than 23 years, beginning her career in banking and then transitioning into healthcare at Minnie Hamilton Health System.
PMH will begin its nationwide search this week.
A selection committee is already in place consisting of board members, senior leaders and staff.
The initial process will include written and telephone interviews with in-person interviews conducted for top candidates. Given Lay’s October 1 retirement, this allows ample time to conduct an extensive search and ensure that the very best candidate is selected.
“I feel truly blessed to have spent most of my career in healthcare leadership,” Lay said. “The staff I worked with at both Minnie Hamilton Health System and Pocahontas Memorial Hospital reflects the true commitment of individuals serving rural West Virginia. I have experienced both professionally and personally the impact these dedicated individuals make every day, and I thank them for letting me be part of their teams. The beauty of Pocahontas County reaches my soul and, after I retire, I look forward to spending more time with my grandchildren, fishing and perhaps even on the golf course.”
Lay plans to be available to on-board a new CEO, if needed.
“I think we have a good plan, and I look forward to working with the board and staff to assure a thoughtful and orderly succession process for our hospital,” she said.