Hospice of Chattanooga Announces New C.E.O.

Rev. Clark Taylor, the former president of Memorial Hospital, is returning to Chattanooga.  This time, he’ll oversee operations at Hospice of Chattanooga.

Rev. Taylor will arrive at Hospice of Chattanooga on January 4, 2010.  Previously, he served as the chief executive of Ephraim McDowell Health system in Danville, Kentucky, from 2002 to 2009.

“What a way to start the new year,” Rev. Taylor said.  “It’s a great opportunity with a tremendous organization in a city we love at the right time.”

Tony D’Andrea, Chairman of Hospice of Chattanooga’s Board of Directors said Dr. Taylor has both the experience and the vision to lead the organization which serves 18 counties in Tennessee and Georgia.

“ Clark understands our mission of caring, the need for strong relationships, and the needed commitment of staff and volunteers,” explained Mr. D’Andrea.

Dr. Terry Melvin, Hospice of Chattanooga’s Chief Medical Officer, was appointed interim C.E.O. until a new C.E.O. was selected.  She will continue her role as Chief Medical Officer when Rev. Taylor arrives in January.

Hospice of Chattanooga was founded in 1981.  It has grown into Tennessee’s largest hospice, serving more than 550 patients each day.  Hospice of Chattanooga ranks among the top one percent of hospice programs nationally.  The organization employs more than 300 people and has an annual budget of $39 million.

Rev. Taylor said Hospice of Chattanooga cared for his dying father-in-law in 1999.  At the time, Taylor was the C.E.O. of Memorial Hospital.

“My wife Judy and I saw firsthand in our own home the quality of the people of Hospice of Chattanooga and the compassion they showed in maintaining the quality of his life in his final days,” added Rev. Taylor.  “Here I am ten years later, able to come back and lead this great organization.”

Rev. Taylor is also an ordained United Methodist deacon.  In addition to leading Hospice of Chattanooga, he will work as an unpaid clergy staff member at the First Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Chattanooga.