The Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees has started a string of special meetings this week, and the reason is simple.
Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright is retiring and has tendered his resignation, to that end, effective Oct. 1. His last day of work will be Sept. 29.
Wright has been hinting at retirement the last two years, and his resignation letter cites his upcoming 72nd birthday Oct. 3 as time “to step aside and let the next generation step in.” Wright also says he is grateful for the work of the hospital board, medical staff, management team, employees and volunteers for letting him be part of the team, saying, “I know I am a better person for having been here.”
Wright was named as Newman Regional Health’s chief administrator in October 2013, replacing Bob Driewer, and he started in Emporia in January 2014. Before coming to Emporia, Wright also served as the chief executive officer at hospitals in Peoria, Illinois; Lansing, Michigan; and Bay City, Michigan.
The hospital’s board had its first executive session to find Wright’s replacement Wednesday. The board has announced a second special meeting at 3:30 pm Monday. At least one more special meeting is possible soon. The board’s regular monthly meeting will be at noon June 28.
