Northeast Georgia Health System officials say their search for their next CEO is progressing well.
The search began for the health system in February when current CEO Carol Burrell announced that she will retire as soon as the system names her successor.
Six months later, Northeast Georgia Health System Board Chair Spence Price says the search is still underway.
“Our national CEO search process is progressing nicely," Price said. "Over the coming weeks, the search committee will narrow the field of candidates for in-person and, later, onsite interviews, all of which we expect to happen from late summer through fall."
Price did not name any candidates who have been identified by the board so far, but said he is pleased with the quality of candidates that have expressed interest in the job. He also thanked Burrell for continuing to fill the role while the search continues.
"She continues to be the same outstanding leader she’s always been, bringing her best every day," Price said. "We’re working hard to identify her successor so she can enjoy the next phase of her life, but it’s extremely helpful knowing that she will continue serving at the highest level until we find the right person."
Burrell has served as CEO of NGHS since 2011 and has overseen the growth of the health system. In her time, the system grew from one hospital (Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville) to five hospitals spanning four counties.
The full statement on the status of the search by Spence Price is below:
“Our national CEO search process is progressing nicely. Our executive recruitment firm is vetting candidates from across the country and providing regular updates to our board search committee. Over the coming weeks, the search committee will narrow the field of candidates for in-person and, later, onsite interviews, all of which we expect to happen from late summer through fall. We are pleased with the level of interest and the high caliber of candidates we are attracting through our search. We’re confident we’ll find the next strong CEO to continue the positive momentum NGHS has built over the past decades.
I also want to thank Carol Burrell, again, for being transparent with the board about her intent to retire and giving us plenty of time to give the search process the time it deserves. She continues to be the same outstanding leader she’s always been, bringing her best every day in accordance with NGHS’ core values. We’re working hard to identify her successor so she can enjoy the next phase of her life, but it’s extremely helpful knowing that she will continue serving at the highest level until we find the right person to continue the legacy of leadership she and others like John Ferguson developed. Those are tough shoes to fill.”
