Chesapeake General Hospital establishes CEO transition committee to prepare for CEO's retirement in 2005

April 26, 2004 — Dr. Donald Buckley, President and CEO of Chesapeake General Hospital and Chesapeake Health, plans to retire from his position in early 2005. Doug Carson, chairman of the Chesapeake Hospital Authority, made the announcement to the board of directors at the meeting held last week.

Don has provided extraordinary leadership to the hospital during his tenure as CEO. I am confident the community joins the board, medical staff, employees and volunteers in expressing gratitude and appreciation for all Don has accomplished during his tenure, which started before there was a hospital, Carson explains. I expect we will have numerous opportunities in the months ahead to acknowledge his tremendous contribution to Chesapeake General Hospital and this community.

The board has appointed a board-level transition committee chaired by Lonnie Craig. The purpose of this committee is to develop a plan that will assure a smooth and successful transition through the selection of a new chief executive officer. Clark Consulting-Healthcare Group has been engaged to assist this committee to facilitate the transition process.

The board of directors has hired a search consultant and is formulating a search committee to conduct the search for the new CEO. The search process should begin by June 1, 2004.