Last summer, President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Strahan along with Chief Financial Officer John Hackbarth announced plans to retire simultaneously from Owensboro Health on Feb. 1. The search for a new CEO is ongoing, but the duo have agreed to remain in their positions until a candidate is chosen.
When Strahan and Hackbarth first announced their retirement plans, the Owensboro Health Board of Directors immediately launched a search for a new chief executive officer.
“The Board has been working diligently to identify candidates with the unique set of skills and experience needed to lead the organization during this next chapter,” reads a statement issued Friday by OH officials. “The Board takes its responsibility very seriously and is committed to selecting a leader that is best suited to meet the challenges of the moment and build on the tremendous strengths of Owensboro Health.”
The statement continues: “In keeping with that commitment, the Board has decided to extend its search to allow additional time for a thoughtful and deliberate search process. Greg Strahan and John Hackbarth have agreed to remain in their positions until a new CEO is named. The Board greatly appreciates their dedication and support as it continues its important work. Owensboro Health looks forward to announcing the appointment of a new CEO in the near future.”
Strahan was named CEO on Aug. 23, 2016, after serving in the role as an interim for four months. Prior to becoming CEO, he served for nine years as the system’s chief operating officer and oversaw the construction of the new Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, which opened in 2013. He also served for two years as vice president of business development and community health services, arriving from North Mississippi Health Services in 2005.
Hackbarth has served as the system’s CFO since March 2008 and led the effort to finance the $350-million construction of Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Hackbarth served at health systems in Oklahoma and Mississippi before coming to Owensboro Health.
Together, Strahan and Hackbarth have presided over an era that saw Owensboro Health emerge as a regional health system and achieve national benchmarks for quality and financial performance. Since 2015, the system has added two hospitals — Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital and Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center — and constructed three outpatient complexes in Henderson, Madisonville and Powderly.
