BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — After 28 years of serving as United Hospital Center’s CEO, Bruce Carter has decided it is the right time to retire.
“The decision was taken only after a long, thoughtful and deliberative process,” Carter said. “While I have tremendously enjoyed my career in health care, I feel it is time to start checking things off my personal bucket list.”
He announced on Wednesday his leadership will come to an end, effective April 3, 2015 after 28 with UHC and more than 36 years in the industry.
“Under Bruce’s leadership, we have experienced extraordinary growth for the past 28 years,” Jeff Barger, chairman of the UHC Board of Directors said. “We on the board and in the community certainly appreciate his years of service to UHC and the region.”
During Carter’s tenure, a new 681,440 square foot, state-of-the-art hospital was built in Bridgeport. Before he steps down, a new 57,000 square foot musculoskeletal center will open in March on the campus.
“Bruce has set a vision for the future that will permit UHC to thrive beyond his tenure,” Dr. Christopher Colenda, West Virginia United Health System CEO said. “I’ve worked with Bruce for five years on a number of joint projects with the University. He has been a staunch advocate for the citizens of North Central West Virginia and for the values of the West Virginia United Health System. In announcing his retirement, he has allowed the board the time to thoughtfully select a path forward. I have learned much from my colleague, as have all of us have.”
To Carter, being a hospital administrator has not been just a job, but rather a mission.
“I take this step in the best interest of the hospital that I love,” he said. “This institution is greater than me, and it will move on to grow even stronger. UHC has its best days ahead.”
The Board of Directors is now tasked with finding Carter’s replacement and plans to initiate an extensive, nationwide search, beginning immediately with the appointment of a search committee. The committee consists of four officers from the UHC board, the president and vice president of the medical staff, Dr. Colenda and Patrick Deem, WVUHS vice chair.
UHC is the result of a merger between St. Mary’s and Union Protestant hospitals.
Located along I-79 in Bridgeport, the 681,440 square foot structure rising eight stories provides North Central West Virginia with a regional hospital that offers a vast array of services. It is designed around the environment with the patient, family, staff and community, which results in a high level of technology integration and improved access to care. The acute care facility has 292 private inpatient rooms and 24 observation rooms with a medical staff that consist of more than 140 primary care and specialty physicians. UHC employs more than 2,000 Associates.
More information about United Hospital Center can be found at thenewuhc.com.