COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Maury Regional Health (MRH) CEO Alan Watson has announced his plans to retire at the end of September, according to MRH Board of Trustees Chairman Houston Parks.
“On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to thank Alan for his leadership at Maury Regional Health,” said Parks. “His commitment to quality has guided the organization through growth in services and technology and he has served as a steadfast leader through challenging times, including the recent pandemic. We wish him the best in his retirement.”
According to Parks, the MRH Board of Trustees is planning to conduct a national search for a new CEO.
Watson has served as CEO for the organization since 2012 following his promotion from COO, a position which he held from February 2010 until November 2012. During his leadership, the organization has garnered national recognitions for quality and safety, including being named a 15 Top Health System six times since 2011. Other organizational accomplishments include opening a new Cancer Center and Critical Care floor, establishing a joint venture with TriStar Health to develop Pinewood Springs mental health hospital, implementing a new electronic medical record, establishing a robotic surgery program and achieving Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
“Maury Regional Health is a remarkable organization filled with physicians, employees and volunteers who are committed to providing the best possible care for residents in our region. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished and have high hopes for the future success of the organization, which I consider to be among the best health systems with which I have been associated,” said Watson. “Now, I plan to devote more time to my family and return to my hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee. Recent life events, including losing a child, assisting our aging parents and the desire to spend more time with our four grandchildren have strongly influenced my decision to retire. Michele and I look forward to returning home but will always have a place in our heart for Maury Regional and the Columbia community.”
Watson has nearly 40 years of experience in the health care industry. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has served as chair and board member for the Tennessee Hospital Association, Hospital Alliance of Tennessee and Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence. In addition, he serves on the boards for Maury Regional Health Care Foundation and First Farmers and Merchants Bank.