In a unanimous decision on April 21, the Board of Directors of Clara Barton Hospital expressed confidence in Jim Blackwell, promoting him to President and CEO of the Hoisington hospital.
Taking on this role is not a first for Blackwell, who served as interim CEO in 2006 and has been performing admirably in the role since January of this year. “Not many have proven their love for our facility like Jim,” stated Troy Bailey, chairman of the board. “He has the experience, the values, and the reliability that Clara Barton needs to be able to continue to grow.”
Blackwell’s plan for Clara Barton is one of stability and growth. “This hospital has an incredibly bright future,” he explains. “I have had the good fortune to have worked with four of the best administrators that practice in this industry. To continue to expand on their vision as well as those who have put their heart and faith in this organization is a privilege. More notably, it is an honor to represent this outstanding medical community and loyal employees.”
“We’ve always concentrated on hiring the best,” says Bailey, explaining the decision to promote Blackwell. “Since we already have the best people in place, it makes sense to hire from within.” While Blackwell has already assumed President/CEO responsibilities, he will continue to be involved in financial operations and is still developing a strategy to delegate some of his finance responsibilities, a strategy that may allow for even more advancement for other employees within the Hospital.
Blackwell has a Business Administration degree from Sterling College. He joined Clara Barton Hospital in February 2001, as the Director of Finance and was quickly promoted to Chief Financial Officer. He served as interim CEO in 2006 and was promoted to Vice President/CFO in 2007. In 2008, Blackwell was nominated for, and successfully completed, the Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute program. In addition to responsibilities at Clara Barton, Blackwell has served on the KHA Council on Health Care Finance and Reimbursement and was appointed Chairman of this committee in 2012. Additionally he has served 15 years as a member of Hospital Financial Management Association. Prior to serving at Clara Barton, Blackwell worked as the plant accountant at Superior Essex in Hoisington.