Published: July 23, 2008 10:07 pm         

New CEO ready to begin at GVMC

LEWISBURG — The Greenbrier Valley Medical Center will have a new chief executive officer starting Aug. 4.

Rob Followell replaces Michael Lutes, who moved to North Carolina in March to pursue another opportunity, according to a GVMC news release. Brenda Hamilton was named interim CEO upon Lutes’ departure.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the dedicated employees and medical staff at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center,” Followell said. “I look forward to building on their prior accomplishments and being part of many future successes as well as an integral part of the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center Community.”

Followell has more than 15 years of health care and management experience and most recently served as the CEO of Chilton Medical Center in Clanton, Ala.

Followell also previously served as the CEO of Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega, Ga. and CEO of Marion Memorial Hospital in Marion, Ill.

He and his wife, Khristina, have four children.

“Rob Followell is an accomplished health care administrator and a dynamic leader,” Dr. John Johnson, medical staff member and co-chair for the board of trustees, said. “He will bring an excellent balance of professional expertise and interpersonal skill to the position.”

GVMC is a 122-bed facility with a broad range of services and has been accredited by he Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

GVMC is affiliated with the Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, one of the nation’s leading operator’s of general acute care hospitals.

CHS owns, leases, or operates more than 130 hospitals in 28 states.

— E-mail: cgiggenbach@register-herald.com