House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick is asking the Erlanger Board of Trustees to slow its selection process for a new CEO to allow the local legislative delegation to change the law dealing with the Hospital Authority, including possibly the makeup of the Erlanger board.
The Erlanger board has named three finalists for the post and is going through the interview process.
There is also a movement to keep Charlsetta Woodard-Thompson, the interim president and CEO, in place.
Rep. McCormick said in his letter to Board Chairman Ron Loving, "It is my understanding that the board of trustees of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority is approaching a decision on the selection of the new Chief Executive Officer for the Erlanger Health System. I have seen the list of the finalists for the position, and all three individuals have very impressive resumes.
"I am writing today to urge the Board of Trustees to delay the hiring process to allow the Hamilton County legislative delegation adequate time to work on potential changes to the original Erlanger Health System legislation. This hire is critically important to the success of the hospital, and I feel the prudent delay will allow the Board of Trustees to have a clear understanding of how this legislation will impact the role of the Chief Executive Officer. When the 108th General Assembly convenes in January, our delegation will work together to make these legislative changes at a reasonable pace.
"Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information."