Search for permanent CEO begins — Hospital board prioritizes deliberate process
The Weston County Hospital District board of trustees is beginning its search for a permanent chief executive officer, saying it will take time to define the position, seek broad input and find a leader who can continue the stabilization work underway at Weston County Health Services.
Board Chair Ben Roberts told the News Letter Journal that trustees have not yet decided the qualifications, hiring process or role of staff and community members in the search. Those decisions are now under discussion.
“We would like the community to know that the board and interim CEO are determined not to rush the hiring process,” Roberts said. “We want to make all efforts to determine best possible qualities, experience and abilities.”
The search follows former CEO Cathy Harshbarger’s resignation. The hospital board accepted her resignation and appointed Pat Ryan as interim CEO during a special meeting May 11. Harshbarger had led Weston County Health Services since June 24, 2024, and returned to work May 4 after a medical leave that began in March.
Ryan had assisted the hospital during Harshbarger’s leave. Under the interim agreement, Ryan is paid $9,000 per week, prorated for partial weeks. She is an independent contractor, and she does not receive employee benefits.
At the hospital board’s June 18 meeting, Roberts said trustees planned to review the CEO job description, determine the professional and personal qualities they want in a new leader and establish a step-by-step hiring process. He said the board also will discuss how Ryan may advise trustees during the search and whether to use a search firm.
Roberts said he hoped the position would attract a large pool of applicants.
“I’m praying we get about 50, at least 50 resumes,” Roberts said at the meeting. “It would be wonderful to see that many.”
He said the board will need a process to narrow the pool before finalists reach the board-interview stage.
A search firm could expand outreach and complete some initial screening work, Roberts told the NLJ, but trustees also must weigh the cost and the possibility that the firm’s process could limit potential candidates.
For Roberts, a successful search would produce a leader with the qualifications and experience the board identifies who can continue the stabilization plan “as seamlessly as possible.” The board also wants someone who will embrace the community and remain in the position long term, he said.
Trustees have also discussed a contingency plan should Ryan no longer be available before a permanent CEO is hired. Roberts said at the meeting that the board held a meet-and-greet conversation with one potential interim candidate recommended to the district.
“We have a backup plan there,” he said.
Roberts told the NLJ that a few members of the board have met with the candidate and the rest of the board is scheduled to meet her virtually at the July 9 board meeting.
Board choices
The Weston County Hospital District board of trustees plans to decide:
What qualities to seek in a permanent CEO
How applicants will be screened and interviewed
Whether to use a search firm
How staff and community members may provide input
What role interim CEO Pat Ryan will have in advising the board
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