William Newton Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Winfield, Kan., is undergoing a leadership change, according to a news release shared with Becker’s.
CEO Brian Barta resigned July 15, and the hospital’s board accepted his resignation the following week, according to the release. His last day will be July 31.
The resignation comes as the board has been “strategically assessing the need to strengthen the hospital’s leadership to meet its future direction,” the release said.
Mr. Barta said he decided to step down to better facilitate the leadership transition.
He brought financial acumen to the CEO role since taking over in 2022. A certified public accountant, Mr. Barta previously served as CFO of William Newton Hospital and as controller of Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola, Kan.
“The board of trustees acknowledges Brian for his dedication and contributions to William Newton Hospital. We appreciate his service and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Gail Sawyer, board chair of the hospital, said in the release. “Our commitment to upholding our mission of providing exceptional care to our community remains. We are dedicated to ensuring the long-term success and stability of the hospital.”
The hospital has appointed G.F. (Gigi) Fergus, BSN, RN, as interim CEO, effective Aug. 1. She is described in the release as “a seasoned healthcare executive and consultant with over 25 years of experience in for-profit and nonprofit hospitals throughout the U.S.”
