(SOMERSET, Ky. – August 8, 2018) – Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (LCRH) announced today that Robert Parker has been named its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective August 27. Parker replaces Elizabeth Jones, who has been serving as interim CEO, in addition to her role as chief operating officer (COO), since March. Jones will continue serving as COO of the hospital."Robert is an accomplished and mission-driven leader who is committed to keeping care close to home for the communities we serve," said Scott Raplee, president of LifePoint's Central Group, of which LCRH is a part. "During his tenure with LifePoint Health, he has proven himself to be a highly effective leader who is passionate about ensuring the delivery of safe, high quality care, and I am excited for him to bring his experience back to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital as it continues working to improve the health of the Somerset community."
Parker has been part of LifePoint Health for nearly 15 years. He most recently served as market president of LifePoint's Central Kentucky East market, which consists of Clark Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and Bourbon Community Hospital, and also as CEO of CRMC. During his time in this dual role, Parker has helped drive operational improvements, generate growth in key areas, support enhancements in quality and patient safety, and create greater synergies between the two markets.
Prior to this role, he served as market president for Meadowview Regional Medical Center (MRMC) and Fleming County Hospital, both of which are LifePoint facilities, in addition to serving as CEO of MRMC. In his five years at MRMC, he helped greatly improve the hospital's culture of safety and engagement; drove significant improvements in physician and patient satisfaction; oversaw a $5.5 million hospital renovation; and led the facility to earn LifePoint's prestigious company-wide High Five Award in 2014 and achieve designation as a Duke LifePoint Quality Affiliate in 2017. For his outstanding leadership, ethical values and integrity, Parker was recognized as LifePoint's 2013 Fleetwood Award winner.
"Robert brings a wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge of Lake Cumberland and the Somerset community to his new position," said Mark Ross, chair of Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital's Board of Trustees. "He understands the hospital's vision and goals for the future, believes in our mission and will be instrumental in taking the hospital to new heights. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Lake Cumberland family."
Parker has a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He is committed to taking an active role in the community and has served on numerous boards and advisory councils throughout his professional career – ranging in scope from public education to the Chamber of Commerce to area churches and leadership of the regional March of Dimes campaign.
"I am excited to return to Lake Cumberland and the Somerset community, which have always been special places to me and my family," said Parker. "It is an honor and privilege to once again join the talented team at Lake Cumberland and continue the great work the hospital is already doing in the community. I know the hospital has a bright future ahead, and I look forward to continuing to build on its strong momentum in the years to come."
About Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is a 295-bed acute care facility serving the citizens of South Central Kentucky. With more than 40 physician specialties and nearly 200 physicians on staff, Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital offers the most comprehensive medical services in the region. In addition to providing inpatient services, the hospital's stand-alone outpatient facilities focus on bariatric (weight loss) services, cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging, outpatient surgery, outpatient therapy services, sleep disorders, wound care and hyperbaric medicine. In 2014, the hospital founded the first residency program in the region, providing training to new physicians. Established in 1976, Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and has been awarded the following specialty certifications: Commission on Cancer certification; The Joint Commission Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Care; Chest Pain Center with PCI from the American College of Cardiology and The Joint Commission Spine Surgery Certification. For more information, visit www.lakecumberlandhospital.com.
