URMC HAS A NEW CEO

Upson Regional Medical Center’s Board of Trustees announces Tripp Penn as Chief Executive Officer. Penn was selected from a national search and thorough interview process inclusive of medical staff, hospital leaders and its administrative team. The Board of Trustees would like to express its appreciation to the medial staff, hospital leaders and administrative team for the invaluable input during the interview process. Board Chairman Bill Hightower stated, “Tripp possesses the communication and leadership skills we need at the helm of our hospital. He has many years of experience as a high-level executive and has the knowledge and ability to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing healthcare environment. We are looking forward to having Tripp and his family as assets to our community and to continued growth and prosperity for our hospital.” Previously Penn served as Vice President of Support Services at West Georgia Health. His area of responsibilities included the West Georgia Health Foundation; Occupational Medicine; Facilities, including Engineering, Grounds, Security and Environment of Care; Environmental Services; Laundry, and Volunteer/Community Services. Penn joined West Georgia Health in 2003 as founding director of the West Georgia Health Foundation. He established the Foundation in 2005. Under his leadership, in 2008, the Foundation was successful in raising more than $5 million during the campaign for a new Emergency Department and $8.5 million of an ongoing $10 million campaign to support a new Community Cancer Center. Prior to his time at West Georgia Health, Penn served as Director of Development for Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. He earned a bachelor’s degrees in economics and psychology and a Master of Education degree from the University of Georgia. He obtained a Master of Business Administration from LaGrange College. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and former board member of Leadership Georgia. He and his wife, Megan, have three children. Penn’s start date is mid-May and succeeds Mark Hartman, who was hired in November to provide leadership to the hospital strictly on an interim basis after the departure of David Castleberry.