Evan Dillard, president and CEO of Hattiesburg, Miss.-based Forrest Health, is retiring.
Mr. Dillard served at the helm of the health system, which includes six hospital campuses and three specialty hospitals, since 2008. During his tenure, the health system grew into one of the region’s largest employers with more than 4,000 workers.
"Under his leadership, Forrest Health has become the top performing health system in Mississippi with a defined path for continued growth and success," said Rick Preusch, Forrest Health board chairman. "In this very thoughtful and deliberate succession plan, the Board of Trustees feel confident the leadership transition will be seamless for one of our community's most prized organizations."
On Oct. 1, Mr. Dillard will step down as president with Andy Woodard taking on the role. For the next 17 months, Mr. Dillard will serve as CEO and Mr. Woodard will serve as president. In January 2019, Mr. Woodard will succeed Mr. Dillard as president and CEO.
Mr. Woodard currently serves as CFO of the health system. He worked at Forrest Health since 2001, serving in a number of leadership roles.