Freeman Health employees were told today that Tom Keller, who had been scheduled to take over as CEO December 1, would not be taking over.
Baker, who has been Freeman CEO for nearly 14 years, will continue until a new CEO can be found.
Freeman officials did not say why Keller was out of the picture.
Baker announced her impending retirement January 25 in an e-mail to staff:
Dear Freeman Family,Because I know word travels quickly, I wanted you to hear this news directly from me.
Today marks a significant milestone for me as I announce my intent to retire at the end of a one-year notice period.
After 13 years as the President and CEO of Freeman Health System, the time has come for me to step into a new chapter of life. As all of you parents will understand, my son will be finishing high school before I can turn around and I want quality time with him. Reflecting on this remarkable journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support, the countless memories, and the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved together as we fulfill our most sacred mission.
During my tenure as CEO, we have witnessed unparalleled growth within Freeman Health System. Through the collective efforts of our exceptional team, we have expanded our services, bolstered our workforce, and witnessed substantial increases in revenue. These achievements stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion that each and every one of you has brought to the table. Together, we have transformed challenges into opportunities and obstacles into triumphs.
As I look back on our journey, I am filled with pride for the impact we have made in the healthcare industry and the lives we have touched within our region. The growth and success we have achieved together have been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am immensely proud of all of you.
As I step into retirement next year, I carry with me the cherished memories of the moments we have shared, the challenges we have overcome, and the victories we have celebrated. I am confident that the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines Freeman Health System will continue to thrive in the capable hands of those who will lead it into the future.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your CEO, and for the countless memories that I will forever hold dear. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to lead such an exceptional team. Your dedication, hard work and consistent support have been the driving force behind our accomplishments. I look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of Freeman Health System, and I am grateful to have been a part of its remarkable journey.
Please know that I will be at the helm through my year long notice period. We still have much to accomplish in the upcoming months.
The Board of Directors of Freeman Health System will begin the search for the new President/CEO. We will definitely keep you updated as progress is made in this endeavor.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.
Warmest regards,
Paula F. Baker
President & CEO
Freeman Health System
Ooops!
ReplyDeleteThat’s too bad for Freeman. It seems as though it’s service has went down since she took over.
ReplyDeleteWOW - I saw the Headlines on Several of the Leading News Services - In a statement, a Freeman spokesperson verified that “Tom Keller will not be assuming the position of President/CEO of Freeman Health System as previously announced.”
ReplyDeleteThere has got to be a good "Back-Story", on why Tom Keller opted to not take the Job or he was removed from this upcoming position.
Looks like we will all have to stay tuned - or Maybe the Billboard Company couldn't survive without the Revenue from Freeman paying to plaster Paula Baker's Face / with Filters - all over town.
Clearly this is an embarrassing situation for Freeman. Either Tom didn’t want to come after learning more about Freeman’s toxic culture OR Paula wants to stay on longer for more money and power.
ReplyDeleteWe will almost certainly never know, but it’s a bad look and another recent PR misstep by this hospital.
And their employees and patients continue to suffer.
So the clown show continues…..
Freeman needs to start thinking big with leaders that
ReplyDeletehave really experienced credible track records, who can disrupt things in the status quo to make a change for the better - the likes of Dr. Akram Boutros, a seasoned leader, to turn things around -stop the small town mentality-look at credentials and experience-it's time to regroup and refresh. This situation cannot be fixed with a bandaid-it needs major surgery
Wow. Not surprised. This is one of many senior leaders who have rescinded their acceptance after finding out the real dirt that is hidden from their board of directors. He dodged a bullet for sure. The only thing I keep scratching my head on, is that Paula still wants to be in charge. What happened to wanting to “be at home with my son”. It was BS when she sent the email, and it’s BS now. Once people learn that there are skeletons she wants to never be found, they all run away. She stays so she can keep up the positive spin and manipulate everyone in her path. The board accepted her resignation once and they need to hold to that while the appoint an interim CEO that will help right the ship before the next one is hired. SMH on this and shame on Freeman for continuing to be one of the worst rated hospitals in the nation.
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