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New leader, new day
Sandra Podley to take over as Havasu Regional Medical Center’s CEO in January

By JACKIE LEATHERMAN
Today's News-Herald
Published Friday, December 18, 2009 7:08 AM MST

The local hospital now has a new leader.

Sandra Podley

Sandra Podley is expected to take over as Havasu Regional Medical Center’s chief executive officer by Jan. 11.

Podley was unavailable for an interview Wednesday and Thursday.

Podley replaces former CEO Lynn Mergen who was with the hospital from July 2008 through February. According to Sheena Benson, hospital director of human resources, Mergen resigned “due to family obligations.” Ruth McDaniel has been the interim CEO since March.

Podley was most recently the CEO at Los Alamos Regional Medical Center in New Mexico, a 47-bed facility, since November 2006, according to a hospital press release. LHMC has 181 beds. Podley has 20 years experience in managing specialty hospitals, primarily psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities, according to the release.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, according to the release. Her hobbies include golf, hiking and fishing.

“I am excited about the possibilities that await me at Havasu Regional Medical Center,” Podley said in a prepared statement.

HRMC, which has a staff of roughly 100 doctors and medical personnel, is part of LifePoint Hospitals, which ahs 47 hospitals in 17 states.

“Those of us who assisted in the interview process were extremely impressed with the experiences and leadership skills that Sandy will bring to us,” said Martha Bennett, chairwoman of the HRMC Board of Trustees, in a prepared statement. “With a proven track record of building teams, fostering strong relationships, and enhancing satisfaction with all constituents, she will be a great fit for our hospital and the Lake Havasu community.”

You may contact the reporter at jleatherman@havasunews.com

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Comments (2 comment(s))

Leslie wrote on Dec 19, 2009 4:09 AM:

" Any bets on how long this one will last? Perhaps she should start cleaning up the negative attitudes of the staff who directly impact patient care. Next they could stop charging for services not received. Gosh, I could go on and on and on...... Best of luck to her, it will be a hard job! For now, I'll drive to Kingman, Parker, Vegas, anywhere but here for medical services. "

Havasuvian wrote on Dec 18, 2009 10:30 AM:

" FINALLY!! Sure hope this candidate stays long enough to be even modestly effective. Can't help but wonder, though, if HRMC isn't beyond saving. Seems the internal problems are long-since deeply embedded. It was a great hospital before it went strictly for-profit and lost its primary focus on patient care. We'll see. Hope existing administration/owner...AND the community...give her a fighting chance!! Perhaps when the new CEO is available, the Herald will get that interview. "

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