Llano Regional Hospital announced the resignation of CEO Hatch Smith, Jr. on Tuesday, through a press release from their marketing firm Groundswell Health.
Smith informed the board that he would be transitioning away from hospital management and updated his LinkedIn profile to Chief Financial Officer for Govind Development, LLC - an engineering procurement and construction management company located in Corpus Christi.
“Llano Regional Hospital is well positioned for a bright future, and we look forward to bringing in new talent who shares our commitment to locally governed, locally accountable healthcare,” said Pat McDowell, president of the Llano County Hospital Authority. “We wish Hatch all the best in his new role.”
The hospital has partnered with the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH) to conduct both a national search for an interim CEO and a long-term search for a permanent replacement. Officials say they are confident they will soon find a leader who understands the unique challenges and opportunities in rural healthcare.
As of April 1, Llano Regional Hospital operates under independent governance. Board members Rob Hardy, Charles Miller, and David Willmann are currently overseeing daily operations until an interim CEO is appointed.
Despite the administrative changes, hospital services remain fully operational. The emergency department continues to operate 24/7 under the direction of Medical Director Dr. Lewis Westerfield. Inpatient and post-hospitalization swing bed services are available, along with outpatient lab and imaging services, including mammography.
Hospital officials noted that outpatient clinic services will resume soon, once compliance procedures and medical staff credentialing are complete.
