Community Hospital Corp. announced on Monday that Jim Kendrick will take over as the company's CEO on April 17.
Kendrick will replace Mike Williams, who led the company for 20 years. The Plano, Texas-based organization helps struggling community hospitals retain their nonprofit statuses. CHC owns, manages or consults with about 30 hospitals, most of which are in rural areas.
“We are excited for Jim's leadership as we begin a new era of growth for CHC and service to community hospitals nationwide,” CHC Board Chair Ken Gordon said in a statement. “We are confident in Jim's mission focus and ability to continue our success, as he follows the footprint of Mike Williams, our founding CEO and visionary for CHC's initial 20 years.”
Williams will serve in an advisory capacity during Kendrick's transition.
Kendrick was the CEO of AllianceHealth in Oklahoma, a 10-hospital network and affiliate of Community Health Systems. He managed 10 hospitals, more than 70 affiliated medical practices, six home health agencies and 4,500 employees. For 10 years prior, Kendrick was the CEO for Longview Regional Medical Center in Texas, which was acquired by Community Health Systems.
Community Hospital Corp. added several programs under Williams' leadership including CHC Consulting and CHC ContinueCARE, which helps hospitals form acute-care facilities. The organization established a group purchasing organization in September 2015 that helps small systems get discounted rates called CHC Supply Trust.