Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center announced Thursday that hospital CEO Bryan S. Bateman has resigned from his position to pursue other opportunities.
“We would like to thank Bryan for his commitment to our goal of providing the best patient care possible,” a prepared statement from the hospital said. “A search to identify a new CEO will begin immediately. Members of the board, medical staff and administration will participate in the search to select the right candidate to lead the hospital.”
Chief Operation Officer Chris Jones will serve as interim CEO, according to hospital officials. Jones has been COO since 2018.
“Chris has more than 20 years experience as a leader in health care and has served as a CEO and chief operating officer in his prior experience,” officials said.
Bateman was named CEO in December 2017, after three decades of experience in health care, business and communications.
He came to Poplar Bluff after having served as CEO of CHRISTUS Lake Area Hospital in Louisiana.
“Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center has a well-known legacy of excellence in care delivery and a reputation for strong community partnerships,” Bateman said shortly after arriving in Poplar Bluff. “The opportunity to join such an outstanding organization with a clear commitment to people — to employees, patients and the community as a whole — is an exciting one and I look forward to becoming part of such a great team.”
PBRMC employs more than 1,200 individuals, with more than $72 million a year paid in salaries and benefits, according to its website.
“It is in the best interests of Poplar Bluff and our neighboring communities that this health care system continues to grow and thrive,” a message from Bateman on the hospital’s website shares. “By being one of the largest employers in the area, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is able to be a strong supporter of employment opportunities within our community.”
Bateman is a native of Texas who received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his master’s in health care administration from Ohio University. He and his wife, Lisa, have two sons.