The Ector County Hospital District Board of Directors announced Friday that Medical Center Health System’s Chief Financial Officer Robert Abernethy has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer.
Abernethy replaces Rick Napper who announced his retirement effective Friday.
“We’re looking forward to having Robert take us into this next phase” Board President Don Hallmark said in a prepared statement. “We are excited for him to lead us as we search for a full time Chief Executive Officer.”
Abernethy will assume administrative responsibilities for MCHS on Monday. Abernethy served MCHS as Chief Financial Officer from August 2000 to September 2012. Following his retirement, Abernethy rejoined Medical Center Health System as Chief Financial Officer in November 2017.
Napper told the board earlier this month he was leaving Odessa and retiring from healthcare sooner than his previously stated retirement date of Sept. 15. He said his plans were to move with his wife to their new home in Kentucky.
