Catholic Health Initiatives and the board of directors of Memorial Health Care System have named James M. Hobson as president and chief executive officer of the Memorial system. Mr. Hobson will join Memorial in early November 2008.

Currently, Mr. Hobson, 47, is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Phoebe Putney Health Systems in Albany, Ga., a community owned, not-for-profit three-hospital system that is the leading provider of health care services for a 25-county region in southwest Georgia.

Beth O’Brien, senior vice president of operations and executive group officer for Catholic Health Initiatives, said the Memorial board of directors made an excellent choice in appointing Mr. Hobson as CEO. “Jim has a proven record of leadership, a solid health care operations background and accomplishments in a variety of complex settings. We are confident that Jim has the experience and ability to lead Memorial to new heights of service and performance as he builds relationships with management, the medical staff, employees, volunteers and the community,” Ms. O’Brien said.

Leo Brown, partner, Davis, Smith & Brown and chairman of the Memorial board, said Mr. Hobson was the board’s candidate of choice. “One of the things that impressed us most about Jim is his extensive experience in working with physicians and specialty medical practices as well as a wide variety of clinical service lines. We believe that from his first day on, Jim will build upon Memorial’s record of excellence in serving the people of Chattanooga and the surrounding region.”

Mr. Hobson said he is looking forward to his new role. “I am truly excited about the opportunity to join Memorial Health Care System. This organization is known far and wide for its reputation of award-winning clinical excellence, dedicated associates, medical staff and volunteers, and outstanding service to its local communities. I look forward to continuing the innovation for which Memorial is known as we strive to enhance our services and improve the health of those we serve,” he said.

A native of Memphis, he has more than 13 years of health care leadership experience at several prominent systems throughout the Southeast. At Phoebe Putney Health System, he has served in his current capacity since 2003. During his tenure there, he previously served as senior vice president/hospital operations; senior vice president, physician relations; and vice president of physician clinic operations. Formerly, he was vice president of professional services at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, Tenn.; and prior to that held numerous management positions with Methodist Hospitals of Memphis.

Mr. Hobson received a master’s degree in economics from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree in government from Centre College, Danville, Ky. He is a fellow of the
American College of Healthcare Executives. He and his wife, Kim, have two sons.

Mr. Hobson is active in numerous civic organizations, including the Rotary Club – Dougherty County, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce; Darton College Foundation and Theatre Albany.

Deb Moore will continue to serve as interim CEO until Mr. Hobson assumes his new post.