This will be my final CCMH Update, as I will be retiring the end of this month. It has gone quickly, recalling my first drive coming south out of Chillicothe on Highway 65. We were driving behind a pickup with a young girl in the back, hair flying, holding onto a baby goat, while flood waters crept closer to the roadway. I hadn’t realized the impact of what rain could do to the highway system, but I have certainly learned since then. My wife, Gwen, and I have been warmly received and have been made to feel like lifelong residents of Carroll County, and we will continue to keep Carrollton as our home base. We will become first-time grandparents in September and again in October, so we will get to experience the joys of which many of you have already grown accustomed. We will also spend time visiting family in Minnesota, Iowa, Colorado, Arizona and Florida and perhaps get back into RVing, while also hitting the bicycle trails as often as possible.

It has been my honor and privilege to have served as the Chief Executive Officer at Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) these past five years. I inherited a high performing medical center, and I believe it has continued to flourish and become even better as evidenced by our Top 100 and Top 20 Critical Access Hospital designations over the last number of years. There have been employees in the building who have advanced in their profession, and that gives me great satisfaction. I like to say that CCMH is the “teaching-est non-teaching hospital” in Missouri, and we have had a part with an untold number of students who will impact society in meaningful ways. We have made a difference in many lives, not only in Carroll County, but in surrounding communities and visitors who happen to be spending time in our area. I appreciate the area residents who allow us to be part of your lives and put your trust in our care, for without patients we are nothing.

I leave CCMH in the extremely capable hands of Blake Riley, who will continue the fine tradition of leadership that has been present for 60 plus years at this institution. Everyone at CCMH will continue to work hard to address needs and provide the services that make sense for our service area.

Lastly and always, I wish you good health!