Hospital CEO resigns

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By Brandy Nance (Contact)

Originally published 03:23 p.m., June 26, 2008
Updated 03:23 p.m., June 26, 2008

Terry Lambert, chief executive officer of Newman Regional Health, resigned on Wednesday, effective immediately.

Speaking from his home this morning, Lambert said the resignation was his decision. He also resigned from QHR, the hospital’s management company.

“It was just a personal decision,” he said. “It’s something that I wanted to do for myself and my professional career. This was absolutely my decision. I’ve been there a long time and I think it’s time to move on and do something different.”

Lambert has been administrator and CEO at Newman since 1996. He entered the health-care industry in 1979, first as assistant controller and then chief financial officer of Helena Hospital in Helena, Ark. He then helped turn around the finances of Lee Memorial County Hospital in Marianna, Ark., in his first position as chief executive officer.

Lambert said he has enjoyed his time at Newman.

“Certainty, it was a good relationship,” he said. “I enjoyed working with the board and they have a great group of employees there. I’m certainty going to miss them. I just felt like it was the right time to move.”

Fred Harder, Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees chair, said in a press release that Lambert will be available to help in the transition to an interim CEO. QHR, the management company for the hospital, will begin recruitment for an interim administrator. The search for a new CEO will be nationwide, Harder stated.

“QHR will assist in screening applicants for final selection by Newman’s Board of Trustees,” Harder said.

During his 12-year tenure, Lambert has seen Newman through several projects and substantial growth, Harder said.

“In addition to many smaller renovation projects, he oversaw several major construction projects including the Newman Medical Plaza physician office building; the three-story main entrance building housing expanded outpatient services and an inpatient rehabilitation unit; the cancer center and a cardiac catheterization facility,” the press release stated.

The press release also stated that the hospital’s image, under Lambert’s direction, was transformed from a county hospital to a regional medical center.

“Lambert helped the hospital fulfill its new name and regional image through the expansion of existing hospital services as well as establishing many new services including kidney dialysis, sleep center, MRI, wound care clinic, helicopter transport, retail medical equipment store and an employee assistance program,” the release stated.

Lambert also testified many times before state and national legislative committees. He spoke in opposition to Medicare budget cuts, addressed governmental regulations and spoke in support of measures that strengthen community hospitals.

Lambert also was active in the Emporia Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, Joint Economics Development Advisory Council, Regional Development Association and the Healthier Community Alliance.

“We appreciate the leadership that Terry has provided to our healthcare community for so many years,” Harder said. “His commitment and dedication to Newman and to improvements in healthcare have made a lasting impact on our community.”

Lambert declined this morning to say what his plans are..