Hatch Smith Jr. resigned as CEO of Llano (Texas) Regional Hospital on April 15 to take another job.
The hospital, Llano County Hospital Authority, and Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals are collaborating on a national search for new leadership, according to a hospital news release. Daily operations are continuing under an independent board.
“Llano Regional Hospital is well positioned for a bright future, and we look forward to bringing in new talent who shares our commitment to locally governed, locally accountable healthcare,” Pat McDowell, president of the Llano County Hospital Authority, said in the release. “We wish Hatch all the best in his new role.”
Mr. Smith had led the hospital since 2020, according to his LinkedIn page. During his tenure, the hospital — formerly known as MidCoast Medical Center-Central — joined the Mid Coast Health System in 2021 and was converted to critical access status. The hospital separated from Mid Coast Health System in March following disputes related to the hospital’s financial viability, DailyTrib.com reported.
In December 2024, the 25-bed critical access hospital furloughed 12 employees, including Mr. Smith, to save about $30,000 per payroll cycle. Mr. Smith continued to work unpaid during the transition, according to DailyTrib.com. He told the publication he did so to support staff and the hospital, but added, “We got the hospital in a position where it’s stabilized, and I’ve been offered a position that better suits my family’s needs.”
The hospital said its emergency department is fully staffed and accessible 24/7, and Lewis Westerfield, DO, is medical director. Inpatient and post-hospitalization swing bed services, as well as outpatient lab and imaging services, are available.
Additionally, outpatient clinic services will be available soon, pending completion of compliance and due diligence requirements for workers, the hospital said. The clinic will resume primary care services when employees are appropriately credentialed.
