BUD WETHINGTON

T.J. Samson Community Hospital’s board of directors hired Owensboro native Bud Wethington as its next chief executive officer.

Wethington will begin his duties Aug. 18. He will replace interim leader Henry Royse, who took over when Bill Kindred retired in December. Kindred’s retirement came along with others when the Glasgow hospital offered early retirement as a cost-savings measure.

Wethington is chief executive officer at Tomball Regional Medical Center, a Community Health Systems affiliate in Tomball, Texas. He has 30 years of experience in the health care field. He previously served as president and CEO of Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee, Fla. He also worked for Hospital Corporation of America in several capacities, according to a news release from the hospital’s board.

“Following a national search which began in February, Mr. Wethington was determined to be the best fit for our hospital. The health care industry is ever changing, and we needed someone with Bud’s experience and knowledge so that we can continue to grow and serve this community,” said Mike Bryant, board member and search committee chairman, in a news release. “We were extremely pleased with the large number of extremely highly qualified applicants desirous of locating here and assuming the management of this facility which is so important to our community.”

The search committee worked with Witt/Kieffer, an executive search firm, that reviewed résumés and invited its top four candidates to Glasgow for interviews and meetings with the search committee, local physicians and hospital leaders.

Wethington visited Glasgow and T.J. Samson twice during the interview process and toured the community.

“I am excited about leading T.J. Samson Community Hospital and TJ Health Partners on their journey through the constantly changing health care environment that all health care providers are facing today,” Wethington said in a news release.

“My wife Jeanell and I are excited about moving to Glasgow and getting involved in the community. … T.J. has a bright future and I am committed to delivering a great health care experience to the residents of southcentral Kentucky. My health care experience over the last 30 years should coincide nicely with the needs of this organization.”

“Mr. Wethington has a long track record of working closely with physicians to improve patient care. The doctors and other providers are excited to work with him and expect he will be a great fit for this hospital and community,” said Dr. Jason Campbell, chief of the medical staff.