Nash Health Care Systems (NHCS) Board Chairman Robert (Ziggy) Zalzneck announced today the resignation of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard K. (Rick) Toomey.  In making the announcement, Zalzneck informed the NHCS Board of Commissioners and employees that Toomey has accepted the position of CEO of Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, SC.

"It is with mixed emotion that I accept Rick's resignation.  I am saddened that our health care system and our community are losing both a valuable leader and an outstanding couple; yet, pleased to know that they are going to a place where he and his family wish to live and work," said Zalzneck.

Toomey received his master's degree from Duke University and his doctorate in healthcare administration (DHA) from the Medical University of South Carolina.  Toomey has served on the administrative staff of Nash Health Care Systems since 1989 and was named president and CEO of NHCS in 1998.

Toomey has presided over Nash Health Care Systems during a period of unprecedented growth.  The most notable expansion projects during his ten-year tenure as CEO include opening of the Bryant T. Aldridge Rehabilitation Center, the construction of an 84,000 square feet, state-of-the-art Surgery Pavilion, building a new central energy plant, and the completion of the region's first parking deck.

In 2006, he helped spearhead development of a comprehensive and detailed corporate strategic plan to position Nash Health Care Systems as the region's health care provider of choice within the decade.  In the current year, he has led the development of the Nash Joint Replacement Center, the Nash Surgical Weight Loss Center and the Nash Wound Care Center.

His active involvement in the arena of health care has earned him numerous accolades including serving as secretary, and then later, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Hospital Association (NCHA).  Other health care recognitions involve inclusion in the first edition of Who's Who in Medicine and Health Care, receiving the distinguished Alumnus Award from the Medical University of South Carolina and the Alumni Achievement Award from the Christ School of Asheville, NC.

Toomey's contribution to the community is immeasurable.  He has not only chaired many community initiatives and programs like the United Way and the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, but also has provided leadership in engaging and involving others to become community-minded participants in charitable endeavors.

"Rick leaves behind a stellar record of personal and professional excellence.  He steps away from a health care system well positioned for the present and the future.  He leaves with a plan in place to direct our future prosperity and, perhaps most importantly, a team of people who possess the skills, knowledge and motivation to carry it forward," said Zalzneck.

Toomey will continue to serve as CEO during the next 90 days while a search for his successor is conducted.

"The Board has already engaged the services of an executive search firm to assist us in our search for a new CEO.  We will utilize all available resources to find the right person who will continue to build upon our legacy of health care excellence," said Zalzneck.

Nash Health Care Systems is a county-owned, not-for-profit corporation comprised of four distinct hospitals: Nash General Hospital, Nash Day Hospital, Coastal Plain Hospital and the Bryant T. Aldridge Rehabilitation Center.