Geri Forbes, former CEO of Coupeville, Wash.-based WhidbeyHealth, resigned from the role April 16, changing course from an earlier announcement that indicated she would continue to serve as CEO until she retired, effective July 1, according to a Whidbey News-Times report.
Ms. Forbes will continue to serve the health system as an executive consultant until July 1. Ron Telles, CFO of the organization, will take over as interim CEO. Ms. Forbes' retirement announcement in March did not indicate that she would not continue as CEO until her retirement.
The board stated in an April 16 special meeting that Ms. Forbes' contract would be amended to reflect her immediate resignation. The board said it intends to name Mr. Telles permanent CEO in May.
Ron Wallin, WhidbeyHealth's board commissioner, told the News-Times that Ms. Forbes' stepping into a consultant role will help ensure a smooth transition of leadership at the organization.
Soon after Ms. Forbes announced her retirement, the editorial board of a local newspaper, the South Whidbey Record, demanded more transparency about her departure and the organization's budget and facilities.
Around the same time as Ms. Forbes announced her retirement, the Record reported that the organization's commissioners were scrutinized after Ms. Forbes received a bonus despite construction that was $3 million over budget. On April 8, WhidbeyHealth commissioners said she will receive her bonus when she retires.
The News-Times reports that Ms. Forbes will take home $66,046.16 in incentive pay for meeting 80 percent of her 2018 goals, but she will not earn incentive pay for work done in 2019. She will, however, receive her annual base salary of $390,000.