HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A new chief executive officer has been appointed at Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary Karen Bowling Monday appointed Crag Richards to the position, effective November 16.
Richards currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration for the West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities. He has more than 19 years of experience within the WVDHHR.
Bowling stated in a release Monday she is confident Richards’ leadership abilities will prove to be successful for both the patients and employees at the hospital.
“His financial background, combined with his continued pursuit of education in many health related areas, gives him a well-rounded skill set that will greatly benefit the hospital,” she stated.
Richards is a graduate of West Virginia University where he earned a bachelors degree in accounting.
He replaces Pat Franz who has served as interim since September 2013.