Retired Longtime MDH CNO Named Transitional Interim CEO
The McDonough District Hospital (MDH) Board of Directors held a special meeting Wednesday evening where they voted to appoint retired Chief Nursing Officer Wanda Foster, who was a member of the MDH Board of Directors, as the transitional interim CEO while the Board and search committee seeks a longer-term interim CEO. The Board also accepted Foster's resignation from the Board of Directors.
An candidate interviewed with the Board last week for the interim role; however, he withdrew from consideration, according to Board Chair Dan O'Neil. The Board will hold another special meeting on Monday, July 13 to vote on the terms of Foster's contract, as well as to take action on hiring a search firm to find a permanent CEO.
Foster served as the vice president of nursing/Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for 20 years, until her 2024 retirement. Over the years, she also served as a director of outreach services, director of home health and hospice, relief night house supervisor, staff RN and Certified Nurses Aide. Foster joined the MDH staff in 1980, and began her career in nursing in May 1982 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bradley University in Peoria. Foster earned her Master of Science in Community Health Education at Western Illinois University in 1997. In 2010, she was named a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders.
At the May 18 Board of Directors meeting, CEO Bill Murdock was given a 60-day notice. The terms of his separation agreement are expected to be voted upon next week.
The Community News Brief will resume its regular publication schedule next Tuesday. A more in-depth story on hospital action will appear in the Friday, July 17 edition.
