Michael Tillman has been named chief executive officer of United Hospital Center. The announcement was made today, three months after Bruce Carter – who served as CEO for 28 years - announced plans to retire April 3, 2015. After making an extensive, nationwide search for Carter’s replacement, the West Virginia United Hospital System Board and United Hospital Center Board have decided that Tillman is the best choice.

 

“Mike is a proven leader with vision and focus on quality and patient outcomes. He brings complimentary skills and experience to our WVUHS Hospital Executive Teams, and will lead UHC into the future by being focused on people and results.  I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with and learn from Mike,” said Christopher C. Colenda, MD, MPH, president and chief executive officer of WVUHS.

 

Tillman, who has been with UHC for nearly 20 years – most recently as chief operating officer and vice president of patient care services – is quite humble about his new appointment.

 

“A lot of people say congratulations, but the funny thing is it’s really not about me; it’s about the hospital and the direction we’re going, the continuity and the great medical staff and volunteers,” he said.

 

While serving in the hospital’s number two administrative position for more than a decade, Tillman said he’s been mentored and trained by Carter.

 

“After a pretty rigorous process, I guess the board thought I was ready,” he said.

 

A nurse by trade, Tillman also has a business degree. He has served in the capacity of vice president, director of nursing, associate director of nursing, director of medical-surgical nursing, manager of oncology and consultant at several other facilities. His vast experience gives him an important perspective on the healthcare industry – one which is always changing, he said.

 

“There are always new challenges and opportunities - and there are a couple things on the horizon for us,” he said.

 

One area in which Tillman plans to focus is navigation of patient services, particularly for the elderly.

 

“There are certain patient populations, particularly cancer patients. The disease is complex and there are a number of specialists they see,” he said. “We want to provide navigators to actually help those patients who have complex illnesses and diseases – to help them navigate through where to go and what to do next.”

 

Tillman said he wanted to emphasize what a quality job Carter has done at the hospital.

 

“He has done an incredible job with the quality care that we provide and the quality care that our staff gets,” he said. “The healthcare community has been influenced by his tenure here as CEO.”

 

Leading up to April, Carter and Tillman will be working together on a transition plan. Tillman looks forward to taking the helm April 4.

 

“UHC is a tremendous asset to the health of our community,” he said. “I look forward to working with the dedicated associates, medical staff and volunteers to further the hospital’s mission in the North Central West Virginia region.”

 

Carter said he is honored that Mike Tillman has been selected as his successor.

 

“I consider it a rare privilege to have someone as capable as Mike to continue the mission at UHC. I have complete faith that he will lead this organization to an even higher level,” he said.

 

Tillman received his bachelors of science in nursing from Towson State University, Master of Science from University of Maryland and MBA from the University of Baltimore. He is a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and he served as an adjunct professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.  Locally, he has served on the board of directors for the United Way of Harrison County and the American Red Cross of Harrison County. He resides in his Lost Creek with his wife Mary. The couple has six children.

 

Read about Carter's announcement to retire HERE.