Donnie Hutcherson presents roses to Kitty Quinn
Erlanger Board Chairman Donnie Hutcherson announced Thursday night that he is stepping down a year early from the board.
Mr. Hutcherson, a leading local accountant, said he needed to spend more time with his family and business.
The replacement will be by the city of Chattanooga.
Jack Studer was elected to lead the board, and Rick Youngblood will be vice chairman. Mike Griffin will be secretary.
Mr. Hutcherson said he originally intended to only serve four years, but stayed for seven. He said he feels the framework is in place for Erlanger to thrive, calling it "definitely one of the great assets of our city."
Also at the meeting, Erlanger President Kevin Spiegel said the hospital currently has 60 construction programs underway - ranging from small cosmetic jobs to the major expansion of Erlanger East on Gunbarrel Road. New operating rooms will be ready in February, and a bed tower will be completed by the end of next year.
Mr. Spiegel said Tom Patrilak has been hired as the chief operating officer for physician services. A retired Navy captain, he will also oversee a Veteran Affairs department.
He said the orthopedic line continues to grow with the addition of four physicians from Chattanooga Bone and Joint. They are Dr. David Bruce, Dr. Jeremy Bruce, Dr. David Lowery and Dr. Peter Lund. The total number of orthopedic providers is up to 18.
The new pulmonary critical care chief, Dr. Jigme Sethi from Brown University, officially starts in March, but is already doing work.
Dr. Pat O'Donnel, a new neurologist, will start next month.
Mr. Spiegel said he anticipates that Erlange will employ upwards of 250 physicians by the end of next year.
Dr. Will Jackson, the new chief medical officer, starts Nov. 30.
Dr. Robert Fore is the interim dean of the College of Medicine. He and Chief Operating Officer Robert Brooks are working to secure a new permanent dean for the college.