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Cruse interim CEO

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 10:17 AM EDT

WATERVLIET - The Community Hospital Board of Trustees announced that Ray Cruse has been named interim Chief Executive Officer of Community Hospital in Watervliet.

Cruse has been serving in the interim role for the past several weeks since the retirement of former CEO Fritz Fahrenbacher.

Cruse is currently performing dual roles as both CEO and chief financial officer.

The decision to place Cruse in the interim role was made by the Board of Trustees and supported by the hospital management group, QHR, which is conducting a nation-wide search for a permanent CEO.

"It was the board's decision," says David Miller, QHR regional associate vice president. "We assisted in providing advisory comments and recommendations based on our professional opinion."

Miller says that the search for a new CEO began several weeks ago. Several resumes have been submitted from both internal and external candidates.

After evaluation, these resumes will be presented to the board to determine which candidates to interview.

"The process for recruiting a permanent CEO should be completed within the next three months," confirmed Ron Postelli, board president.

Cruse joined Community Hospital in February 2005 as CFO.

Since 2006, he has served as chief operating officer for financial and provider services.

Cruse was previously at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac for almost 15 years, serving as senior vice president and CFO.

He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Siena Heights University and will graduate with a master's degree in organizational leadership this year.

One of Cruse's most significant accomplishments at Community Hospital has been involvement as a key player in successfully recruiting new physicians.

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