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Rentfro resigns as CEO at L.V. Stabler

BY BRUCE BRANUM

The Greenville Standard

 

Donald Renftro officially announced his plans to resign his position as CEO at L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital to Dexter McLendon, Chairman of The Health Care Authority of The City of Greenville on Monday, Nov. 19 after their regularly scheduled call with UAB Hospital at 8 a.m.

Rentfro stated that because of family purposes he made his decision. “It’s tough, because the work that’s done here. I love being a part of it,” he said.

“The folks that I work with, including Dexter and the city council, really stepped up to do the right thing and that was to take over the hospital,” said Rentfro, and he added, “I couldn’t ask for a better chairman to work for, and the authority board, every last member, is just awesome.”

According to Rentfro, his decision to step down was just a personal thing he needed to do for his family. He has moved his mother and father from Texas to Alabama and his father had needs for special care.

“We have a great senior management team and medical staff that can do all the right things. I will make myself available to help with history lessons of the projects that we have going on because there are a lot of good things,” Rentfro said.

“The hospital has great providers and clinicians. We have got the clinical measures that show we stack up against anybody. We are the hidden gem that needs to be brought to the forefront. I am going to miss the people I work with, they truly believe in the mission of great care,” he added.

Rentfro was hired four years ago to serve as CEO at L.V. Stabler. He came from Natchez, Miss. and was in healthcare since 1991. He got his start in Louisiana and also worked in Texas.

McLendon, at the press announcement on Monday, Nov 26 said, “He (Rentfro) will be missed. I really appreciate what he has done and also understand why he’s doing what he’s doing. We are going to move forward. Everything happens for a reason.”

McLendon said he and Rentfro told the UAB management team about Rentfro’s decision the following day. He stated a search to find a replacement for Rentfro had begun and due to the holiday season might mean that the position may not be filled until January or February.

McLendon stated Assistant Administrator Connie Nicholas will take over as acting Administrator until a replacement could be found.

Nicholas has worked at L.V. Stabler Hospital for forty years. She has a nursing background and a master’s degree in Health Administration.

She said, “We are going to do everything we can to keep this hospital viable and to take care of the patients in our community and give them quality care. I look forward to working the Dexter and the hospital staff to make sure we accomplish that mission.”

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