Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare System CEO Gene Woods said Wednesday the health system is launching a national search for a COO, a position that has been vacant since Joe Piemont departed in April 2015, according to The Charlotte Observer.
Mr. Woods, who joined Carolinas HealthCare in April, said he needs someone to oversee the health system's operations while he focuses on "strategy, culture and growth," according to the report.
In a memo to employees Wednesday, Mr. Woods also outlined other organizational changes, including the promotion of Debra Plousha Moore, Carolinas HealthCare chief human resources officer, to the newly created role of system chief of staff. Ms. Moore will now report directly to Mr. Woods and help him "align talent and structure with our strategic priorities, enhance connections to community and help coordinate board of commissioner activities," he wrote in the memo, according to the report.
Mr. Woods detailed other leadership changes, such as the end-of-the-year retirement of Paul Franz, an executive vice president who has served the health system since 1983. Mr. Franz will be succeeded by Jerry Oliphant, effective Oct. 10. John Knox, chief administrative officer, will also leave the system at the end of the year.