Another member of Lewiston-based Central Maine Healthcare's leadership has resigned, marking the third individual to do so after the system's three hospitals began publicly voicing their discontent with CMHC leadership, particularly CEO Jeff Brickman, according to the Portland Press Herald.
Mark Adams, vice chairman of CMHC's board of directors, resigned Aug. 1, but reportedly told Board Chairwoman Deborah Avasthi of his resignation plans before then.
Mr. Adams told the Portland Press Herald Aug. 16 his resignation has nothing to do with the turmoil surrounding Mr. Brickman and said the timing of his decision is regretful.
"Unfortunately, I need to prioritize my time to my responsibilities to my company, our clients and employees at this time," he said.
Mr. Adams' resignation comes roughly one month after staff at the first of CMHC's three hospitals issued a vote of no confidence in Mr. Brickman and CMHC leadership. The two other hospitals issued similar votes shortly after.
Following the votes, CMHC's board of directors voted to amend its bylaws to ensure physicians had more of a voice regarding system operations, and affirmed their support in Mr. Brickman, who was hired roughly two years ago to help the financially ailing system.
The day after the board's vote, R. Daivd Frum, the president of two of CMHC's hospitals resigned. Stacy Goldsholl, MD, chief physician executive for CMHC, resigned before the board's meeting.
In an Aug. 17 prepared statement to Becker's Hospital Review, a CMHC spokesperson confirmed Mr. Adams' resignation: "Central Maine Healthcare announced Thursday that Vice Chair Mark Adams has resigned from the CMH Board of Directors, after more than 16 years of dedicated service to the organization. His admiration of our medical providers and employees of our hospitals and physician practices and his patient-focused perspective made him a valuable part of the system’s governing board."
"Mark's incredible support of CMH, his loyalty to our driving mission — providing the highest-quality care to our communities — and the huge time commitment he selflessly gave defined his service on our board," Ms. Avasthi said.
The spokesperson also said the board would immediately begin its search for a new vice chair.
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