K. Scott Wester has resigned as president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System, effective Sept. 11, following a vote by the system's board of commissioners to terminate his contract, according to a report in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
"We are grateful for Scott's dedication to high-quality, patient-centered care and wish him well as he embarks on a new chapter," the Hollywood, Fla.-based health system said in a statement shared with Becker's. "Memorial remains a strong organization renowned for its exceptional culture and dedication to excellence in care and service."
The statement came from the South Broward Hospital District board of commissioners, which governs and oversees the six-hospital system.
The statement added that David Smith, chief administrative officer and CFO, will oversee operations during the transition and the board "is fully committed to selecting a visionary leader to steer Memorial into the future."
The board hired Mr. Wester in 2022 to helm the public, nonprofit health system. He was hired under a three-year contract, which ended a year early, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
"When we hired him, we felt like he was going to help us with strategy and the future of Memorial," Elizabeth Justen, chair of the board, told the publication. "Unfortunately, after two years, he presented a strategic plan that was not good, so we expressed to him it was not what we were hoping for. We gave him a review and were disappointed in him, and he knew it."
Mr. Wester told the Sun Sentinel he learned of the board's dissatisfaction on Sept. 9 and resigned on Sept. 11.
"Memorial Health System is an incredible organization and has done so much to help the people of South Broward and all of South Florida," he told the publication. "I couldn't be more proud of the leadership teams and all we have accomplished together. I am a deep believer in Memorial and will always offer my best to help the organization as much as I can."
Before joining Memorial Healthcare System, Mr. Wester served as executive vice president of strategic partnerships and advocacy for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in Baton Rouge, La.