In a swift decision, the Nashville Hospital Authority Board voted Monday to immediately revamp the leadership structure at Nashville General Hospital by revoking all duties, responsibilities, power, and authorities from its outgoing CEO, Dr. Joseph Webb. The severance from the management role precedes Dr. Webb's previously slated departure date of March 14. This comes less than two weeks after Webb's announcement that he would not be pursuing a contract renewal and requested to be paid through June 30, marking a swift turn of events for the top executive, as reported by WSMV.
FOX17 detailed further that the Board's unanimous decision includes stripping Webb of the authority to enter into or change contracts, make personnel decisions, or spend more than $5,000 without written board approval. The measures follow an internal audit revealing unauthorized financial commitments made by the CEO. Webb, whose annual contract totals over half a million dollars, is set to receive approximately $150,000 during his remaining three and a half months off the job, maintaining payment although his executive powers are curtailed.
Transitionary leadership has been put in place, with the Board appointing Dr. Veronica Elders as Acting CEO starting from Webb’s final day, according to a statement obtained by NewsChannel 5. Elders, who brings a decade of experience at the hospital and five years as the Chief Nursing Officer, will serve as a temporary steward of the hospital leadership while the Board commences the search for a permanent CEO.
Amid the restructuring, the hospital has severed its costly contract with former Metro Councilman Jerry Maynard, who was receiving more than $37,000 monthly for marketing and lobbying services. This cutback is a significant move as the hospital strives for financial stability while relying on major taxpayer contributions.
