Larry H. Chewning has been named president and chief executive officer of Nash Health Care. The appointment was announced to Nash employees on Tuesday. Chewning will start his new position on January 28, 2008. He replaces former CEO, Rick Toomey, DHA who left in November to assume the CEO duties at Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, SC.

Since 2001, Chewning has served as president and CEO of Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, NC. During his tenure, Chewning aggressively and successfully pursued expansion of the hospital's facilities and services and growth of the medical staff with a focus on patient satisfaction.

Chewning earned his bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University and a master's degree in health administration from Duke University. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He has held numerous certifications and memberships in prestigious professional health care arenas and is a former Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy.

"I'm excited about this opportunity professionally and personally. Nash Health Care has enjoyed a rich history of leadership in Bryant Aldridge and Rick Toomey. I am eager to begin working with the board, the employees and volunteers of Nash Health Care, the very fine medical staff and the community we serve," said Chewning.

Upon notice of Rick Toomey's resignation, NHCS board Chairman Robert (Ziggy) Zalzneck appointed an executive search committee headed by board member Vince Andracchio, II. Other search committee members included: NHCS board Vice Chairman, Brenda Stallings; past NHCS board Chairman, Bert Daniel; current NHCS board members, Matthew Collins, MD of Nash OB-GYN, Kaye Mitchell and Judge Robert Evans; NHCS Medical Staff President-elect, Michael Crawford, MD of Carolina Otolaryngology; and David Browder, MD of Boice-Willis Clinic.

"We were looking for someone who would carry on the tradition of health care excellence for this region. Our job requirements primarily included strong and visionary leadership skills, a good communicator, insight into health improvement initiatives, a record of strong physician relations and community involvement. Larry Chewning meets those qualifications. We are confident we have the right person," said Andracchio.

The committee was assisted by Anderson and Associates of Charlotte, NC, an executive search firm specializing in recruitment of CEOs for health care. According to Anderson and Associates' Paul Betzhold, the search generated national interest from a strong and extensive pool of experienced and accomplished applicants.

In congratulating the search committee on their selection, Rocky Mount native and North Carolina Hospital Association President, Bill Pully, commented that, "Larry Chewning is an experienced and successful leader. He brings values and commitment that will strengthen the culture of a great hospital."

Chewning enjoys playing golf and bird hunting. He attends the Episcopal Church where he has served as a vestry member and a lay reader. Chewning and his wife, Karen, have three children.

Nash Health Care is a county-owned, not-for-profit hospital system consisting of four separate facilities on one campus: Nash General Hospital, Nash Day Hospital, Coastal Plain Hospital and the Bryant T. Aldridge Rehabilitation Center.