SCH CEO Hester talks about decision to leave

As WNEG News reported earlier, Stephens County Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mike Hester has resigned.

Hester says an opportunity presented itself that would allow him to be closer to his children near Savannah.

“I have an opportunity that presented itself closer to home, where my kids are. But I think what’s so wonderful is that the opportunity presented itself and I feel comfortable that the hospital has really made quite a bit of progress the past two years and the next two years I think you’re going to see the best two years the hospital has had in a really long time. I wouldn’t leave if I felt like the hospital was in bad shape. The hospital is in a much better shape and is much better prepared for the future than it has been in many years, and that’s due to the hospital authority and its leadership and the great staff,” he said.

Hester says the hospital is in good hands under the leadership of newly named interim CEO Ray Leadbetter and Interim Chief Operating Officer Van Loskoski.

“Ray came up here in June of last year and had done some consulting with us prior; you know, there’s no one better for financial leadership than Ray Leadbetter. And Van Loskoski came up with me when I came up. There’s a reason why I wanted Van to be there. He’s smart and gets things done. He’s done a tremendous job with community outreach and recruiting physicians and building physician practices. He’s just a great leader,” he said.

Hester says he’s thankful for the opportunity to work in Toccoa-Stephens County and be a part of the community for the past two years.

“It’s just been tremendous. I want to thank the Hospital Authority for bringing me up here. I’ve met a lot of great folks, not just leaders in the community, but just great people. I’ll miss so many people. We have a great staff. I just want to reiterate to the community that their hospital is very important, and I think they showed that during COVID. We need this community hospital. I just got a report that in 2019 the economic impact for local and regional from the hospital is $106 million a year, which is about $6 million more than the prior year,” he said.

Hester’s last day at Stephens County Hospital was Tuesday, May 4.