Erlanger Names Charlesetta Woodard-Thompson Interim President & CEO
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority Board of Trustees today appointed Charlesetta Woodard-Thompson Interim President and CEO of Erlanger Health System, effective December 1, 2011. Ms. Woodard-Thompson currently serves as Erlanger Executive Vice President.
“Few people understand Erlanger as well as Charlesetta Woodard-Thompson,” said Board Chairman Ron Loving. “Charlesetta has been a part of the Erlanger family almost 20 years. She has answered this call before, serving as Interim President and CEO for 13 months in 2003 and 2004.”
Ms. Woodard-Thompson will assume the helm of Chattanooga’s largest health system from James Brexler, who on November 17 announced plans to step down effective December 31.
Mr. Loving stressed the smooth transition reflects Erlanger’s commitment to current strategic initiatives. “There are a number of key priorities on which the board of trustees, Charlesetta Woodard-Thompson and our leadership team are focused. We are unwavering in our commitment to Erlanger at Volkswagen Drive, Erlanger at Hutcheson, the UT Erlanger Medical Group and other strategic initiatives.”
Woodard-Thompson began her career with Erlanger as a department director in 1992, and rose to the position of Senior Vice President for Human Resources in 1999. Following the departure of a CEO in early 2003, the Hospital Authority elevated her to Interim President and CEO from February of that year until March 2004.
“If you look back you will see 2003 and 2004 were good years for Erlanger in both financial and operational performance. Charlesetta has earned the confidence of the Board of Trustees. Equally important, she also has the confidence and respect of physicians, employees and key health system partners like the University of Tennessee College of Medicine,” said Loving.
Woodard-Thompson was named a Chattanooga Woman of Distinction in 2008. She has served as board chairman of the Chattanooga Area Urban League and on the boards of Junior Achievement and the Chattanooga Community Foundation. She currently serves on the Tennessee Civil Service Commission. She holds degrees from Spelman College and Cornell University.
Woodward-Thompson will serve until the Hospital Authority Board identifies a new President and CEO. The Hospital Authority Board will evaluate and determine an appropriate search process.
