Baton Rouge, La.-based Woman's Hospital selected Robert Burgess to serve as interim CEO, effective immediately, according to a Greater Baton Rouge Business Report.
Mr. Burgess succeeds Teri Fontenot, who announced Feb. 22 that she had planned to retire in the summer. While her initial plan was to continue to lead the hospital until a successor was named, Woman's issued a statement March 27 saying "[Ms. Fontenot] has chosen to enjoy the fruits of her labor with an early retirement," according to the report. Ms. Fontenot will become CEO emeritus of the hospital.
Mr. Burgess previously served as CEO of Gonzales, La.-based St. Elizabeth Hospital in, which is now known as Our Lady of the Lake Ascension. He retired in January, according to The Advocate. Mr. Burgess also has prior experience serving as president and COO of Eatel, a telecommunications firm.
The hospital's board of directors engaged national search firm Korn Ferry to help identify a permanent successor.
"I sincerely appreciate the Board's understanding and am also excited about the response to the CEO search as it reflects Woman's national reputation. It also acknowledges Woman's bright future in continuing to provide world-class, exceptional healthcare locally and statewide," said Ms. Fontenot in a statement obtained by The Advocate.