TAMC prepares for change at top
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PETERSON
PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook Medical Center is undergoing a change in leadership in the coming months, with the retirement of David “Dave” Peterson, president/CEO of TAMC, and the arrival of his replacement, Sylvia Sather Getman later this summer.
GETMAN
Peterson announced last fall his plan to retire from his role as head of the health care organization by mid-2010, after 34 years with TAMC and 23 years as CEO.
“There is no ideal time to hand over the reins and walk away from a job you love,” Peterson explained, “but it has to happen sometime. TAMC is in good health, and thankfully, so am I, so choosing this time for the change feels right.”
Peterson joined TAMC in 1976 as chief financial officer and became president/CEO in 1987. He has also served as senior vice president of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems since the system’s creation 10 years ago. Prior to working at TAMC, Peterson was employed by Arthur Young & Company, CPA, providing accounting, auditing and management consulting services to a variety of industry types, with emphasis on the health care field.
“Dave’s long history of leadership at TAMC has positioned the organization well for the future,” said Barry McCrum, member, TAMC Board of Trustees. “He has demonstrated great vision as he has navigated TAMC in an ever-changing, complex industry. He has built and nurtured a core leadership team that is second to none in Maine health care. His leadership will be missed.”
According to McCrum, Peterson advised the TAMC Board of Trustees of his plans late last year, at which time a national search began for his successor. He said such a search typically takes about six to nine months.
“Because TAMC has that strong leadership team and a strong workforce in place,” noted McCrum, “officials were able to be deliberate in conducting a search, which we hoped would conclude with the appointment of another exceptional leader.”
Peterson indicated he had a natural aversion to the word “retirement,” but admitted that he does plan to devote most of his time come fall to doing things normally associated with that pursuit – spending time with family, traveling, playing golf and enjoying his other hobbies.
“But,” Peterson shared, “I also expect to continue to have some limited role in the workforce in the years ahead, perhaps through a consulting or teaching role.”
Peterson said it has been an extraordinary privilege to lead this organization for these many years.
“I can truthfully say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my job and still do. I know I will miss the challenge and excitement that has made my work life so interesting and rewarding, and most of all I will miss the daily contact with so many dedicated, energetic and talented people who make up our health care team. Paradoxically, I am already feeling a bit envious of the new team leader — Sylvia — but I am also looking forward to the freedom to devote time to new adventures,” said Peterson.
Hospital officials expect the leadership transition to be a smooth one and that the organization will continue to provide the best care possible to the community throughout.
Getman will arrive in Aroostook County and begin serving in her new role in late summer or early fall.
“I am pleased and excited to have the opportunity to work with the team at The Aroostook Medical Center to advance the organization’s vision of excellence in rural health care,” said Getman, of Nantucket, Mass. “As a rural regional medical center, TAMC is well positioned to meet the needs of the people of Aroostook County, and I look forward to supporting and enhancing the great work that is being done. I am especially intrigued by the vision of Eastern Maine Healthcare System – to be the best rural health care system by 2012 — and look forward to actively advocating for rural health care at the local, state and national levels.”
Getman currently serves as president and CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital, a 19-bed hospital on the island of Nantucket and member of Partners Health Care. Prior to that, she was chief executive officer of Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, Iowa, and vice president for Network Systems for Mercy Medical Center — North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.
The nationwide search for a new CEO began last fall, following Peterson’s announcing his intention to retire in 2010. The search process was led by members of the TAMC Board of Trustees and EMHS President and CEO Michelle Hood.
“We were fortunate to find a candidate of Sylvia’s caliber who had experience with the opportunities and challenges facing TAMC and rural health care in general,” said Peter St. John, chair of TAMC’s Board of Trustees.
St. John said he was confident Getman will quickly become a familiar face in the community.
“With the support of the TAMC team, I believe she will help the medical center become an even better health care resource for the people of our area,” said St. John.
Getman will also serve as senior vice president of EMHS, a well-organized health care system serving all of central, eastern and northern Maine. According to Hood, Getman will help impact health care both in Aroostook County and across the region.
“We are very excited about brining someone of Sylvia’s professional caliber to Maine,” said Hood. “Her leadership skills are ideal for TAMC, and I expect her to be an outstanding contributor as a senior vice president of EMHS and member of our Leadership Council. Sylvia’s experience and spirit of collaboration should ultimately benefit Aroostook County and the entire State of Maine.”
Getman, her husband Bill, and their family will be making their home in the Presque Isle area.
“Personally, my family and I are looking forward to becoming a part of Aroostook County and specifically the Presque Isle area, with its abundance of outdoor recreation and welcoming community spirit,” she said. “We are eager to arrive and settle in.”
