SoutheastHEALTH CEO to retire earlier than planned

SoutheastHEALTH CEO Wayne Smith will retire from his position earlier than orginally planned, the health system's board of directors announced Wednesday, leaving the healthcare system's chief financial officer, John Skeans, to steer the ship while a replacement is found.

Smith announced in August that he intended to retire at the end of the year, but because of "some ongoing health challenges that require more focused attention," he requested an earlier retirement, according to a news release issued by the hospital.

Skeans will become the acting CEO of SoutheastHEALTH effective Nov. 1. He is expected to hold the position until a suitable candidate is identified, according to the release, which may take four to six months.

Wayne Smith

Skeans, previously an executive at two other large medical centers in Virginia and Missouri, was named chief financial officer of the health system at the end of July.

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