By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
Riley Hospital officials announced today that a Tennessee native has been named as the hospital's new chief executive officer.
Steve Nichols of Selmer, Tenn., comes to Meridian from Columbus, Ga., where he most recently served as administrator of Doctors' Hospital. He will assume his new position Dec. 18.
HMA of Naples, Fla., purchased Riley Hospital in 1998.
Nichols will replace interim CEO Tommy Wiman, an HMA executive from Jackson named in early September after the resignation of Carl Etter.
Tyra said Nichols was selected from about eight candidates after final interviews with the management team in Meridian two weeks ago.
Nichols, who has two children enrolled at the University of Mississippi, graduated from the University of Mississippi and earned a master's degree in business administration at the University of Southern California. He previously served as administrator at DeQueen Regional Medical Center in DeQueen, Ark.
He and his wife, Bonnie, expect to return to Meridian within the next couple of weeks to continue their search for a new home, Tyra said.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@meridianstar.com.