By Jim Misunas
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HAYS — George B. Harms has started as new vice president/chief financial officer for HaysMed. He began his duties Monday and will have direct responsibility for finance, materials management and health information management departments at the hospital.
Harms was previously the chief financial officer at Good Samaritan Health Systems in Kearney, Neb. Harms replaces Bill Overbey, Hays Medical Center’s chief financial officer and chief information officer. Much of Harms’ first day was spent in team meetings.
“He’s different from Bill Overbey,” said Matt Heyn, Pawnee Valley Hospital administrator. “He’s very quiet, a 180-degree change from Bill. But he’ll be good.”
HaysMed serves as managing entity for Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and Pawnee County retains ownership of the facility, equipment and assets under an affiliation agreement. HaysMed provides medical and billing services for Pawnee Valley.
Harms has 27 years experience in healthcare that includes successful implementation of initiatives for improved fiscal responsibilities, productivity improvements and supply chain management.
“I was drawn to HaysMed due to the quality of this fine hospital and its employees,” Harms said.  “I look forward to being part of the great community of Hays and contributing to the care of its citizens.”
In 2012, Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney enjoyed a $65 million expansion that featured new surgical suites and surgical support departments, endoscopy suites, and a cafeteria and dining area. The West Tower expansion expanded the regional referral facility by more than 120,000 square feet.
The new heart center consolidated cardiac services offered at Good Samaritan, including outpatient testing, diagnostic and interventional catheterizations, and open heart surgery.
He has been involved in both professional and community activities including the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the American Institute for Certified Public Accounts, Boy Scouts and local arts council.
“We are so pleased to have secured a candidate of George’s caliber so quickly,” said John Jeter, president and CEO of HaysMed.  “He brings a broad array of financial and leadership skills that will enhance our hospital services.”
Harms earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western State College in Gunnison, Colo. and a master’s of business administration in operations management and E-commerce from Regis University in Denver.  
Harms’ family includes his wife, Jana, and three sons Jimmy 22, Dennis 19 and Joseph 17.  
Overbey served as CFO since 2001. Overbey served in the dual roles of chief financial officer and chief information for seven years.
“(Overbey) was definitely a key contributor in the financial successes here at HaysMed,” said Shae Veach, vice president of regional operations and marketing. “We wish him and his family the best.”
Andy Beck, HaysMed controller, has been serving as interim chief financial officer since January.