For release: March 8, 2010

Woodward Regional Hospital (WRH) announced today that Charles Nasem has been named interim chief executive officer (CEO) effective immediately. Nasem, a senior healthcare executive with 30 years' hospital experience, including 15 years in hospital administration, is currently chief operating officer at WRH's sister hospital, Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. Former CEO Lavah Lowe resigned to accept a position in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

"This is a wonderful hospital and a wonderful community, and I look forward to working with the leadership team here to maintain the momentum and plans for growth," said Nasem.

WRH Board chairman Roscoe Hill said, "Our Woodward team – the board of trustees, physicians, employees and volunteers – remains strong and focused. I have confidence in our ability to continue growing and adding services while retaining our tradition of personal care for our patients. We appreciate Charles' assistance during the transition while the search for a new CEO is underway. We're hopeful that the right candidate will be identified quickly; however, more important than a quick selection is finding the right person who will be a good fit for our hospital and our community, for the long-term."

A national search for a new administrator is ongoing; senior management, board and medical staff leaders will be involved in the selection of the new chief executive.