Walter May, leader of Pikeville hospital's growth, is replaced - Health News

May spoke at the 2014 opening of the Pam May Clinic Building.
(File photo from the Appalachian News-Express)

Walter May, who led the transformation of Pikeville Medical Center into one of Kentucky's leading hospitals, has been replaced as president and chief executive officer without explanation.

"In a statement, Pikeville Medical Center said May’s position as CEO will now be filled by Assistant CEO Donovan Blackburn," the Appalachian News-Express reports. "Blackburn was appointed assistant CEO in May 2017, after serving for 13 years as city manager for the City of Pikeville."

The hospital's press release, headlined "PMC Announces Changes," gave no hint of the reason for May's departure. Its only mention of him was, “The hospital wants to express its deep appreciation for more than 56 years of service to the hospital by former CEO and board chairman Walter E. May. May has not given any statements about his future plans.” 

May, owner of radio stations and a cable news channel in Pikeville, "began his medical career at the Appalachian Regional Hospital on Harolds Branch when he was appointed to the board of directors in 1962," the News-Express reports. The hospital was sold to Pikeville Methodist Hospital in 1966 and May was also appointed to the board. He was appointed as chairman in 1990 before being named interim CEO in 1998. By January 2000, he had been named president and CEO and maintained both positions until Tuesday’s announcement."

During his tenure, May led the renaming of the hospital to Pikeville Medical Center. Its heritage remains reflected in its motto, “World-Class Quality Health Care in a Christian Environment.”

"Under May’s leadership, the medical center saw a major addition to the main structure, the addition of the Leonard Lawson Care Center, the Pam May Clinic Building, a partnership with the Mayo Clinic, an after-hours clinic and more," the News-Express reports.

from Kentucky Health News http://ift.tt/2FhSl9q - Health News