Purvis resigns as hospital CEO, Marty Ray is named COO

The resignation letter was submitted to the Authority chair and vice chair on Friday, Jan. 17. “The letter was a 90-day notification of his intent to resign in order to take the CEO job in Dodge County,” said Hospital Authority Chairman Brian Wood. 

“The board has accepted his resignation and sincerely thanks Michael for his leadership and service to our hospital over the past five years. From the floors to the financials, we have seen many impactful changes to our hospital. Michael is leaving Candler County Hospital in much better shape than he found it and we wish him well in his new role at Dodge County.” 

Following Purvis’ resignation, the executive committee met and formulated a new plan for hospital operations. 

The plan involved the creation of a chief operating officer position which will be filled by Marty Ray, who has served as the hospital’s public relations director for several years. 

“We are fortunate that we have a really good administrative leadership team in place at CCH and that our financial position is in a much better place than when we had our last CEO search,” Wood said. 

This approach affords the Authority some time to further evaluate its leadership team and conduct a strategic CEO search, if needed.

“Hiring a CEO for a Critical Access Hospital is not an easy task as they are reimbursed on a cost-based approach,” which differs from other hospital structures, Wood explained. 

The Chief Operating Officer will handle the day-to-day operations of our hospital and in the absence of a CEO, perform those duties as well. The Chief Nursing Officer and all department heads will report to the COO. The Chief Financial Officer will now report directly to the hospital authority board. 

“Marty, Linda Coleman (CNO) and Will Bennett (CFO) will be working together with Michael to ensure a smooth transition,” Wood said. “As Michael departs, he leaves behind a talented team of employees throughout the hospital. This team is why we are successful.” 

Purvis’ departure from CCH will be no later than April 16 in order for him to assume the role of CEO at Dodge County Hospital in Eastman, GA. 

“Candler County Hospital exists today because of the hard work and dedication of our staff and community,” said Ray. “We value the patients Marty Ray Michael Purvis that choose CCH for theirhealthcare needs. I appreciate every team memberand value their supportand input. Will Bennett,CFO, Linda Coleman,CNO, and I will continueto support them in everyway possible to continueto make Candler CountyHospital better for the patients we serve. 

“As we strive to provide‘Excellent Care, Everytime, Right at Home,’ Ilook forward to being apart of the next chapterin the journey of CCH!”