Bassett Splits Duties

Of CEO, President

Dr. Brown Will Run Network;

New Hospital President Sought

COOPERSTOWN – The Bassett Healthcare Network today announced it is breaking off the responsibilities of Bassett Hospital president from those of network CEO after the network board adopted an “active parent” model of management on Jan. 1.

Dr. Vance M. Brown, who has held both positions, said will remain as network CEO, and that Dr. William LeCates, medical director and VP of medical affairs, will become deputy president of the hospital while a transition team recruits a president.

In a statement, Dr. Brown said the network’s decision to adopt “an active parent model” of administration led to this step.  “The breadth and depth of my current responsibilities of overseeing network operations demand my full attention so that we can successfully address the larger issues facing the organization today,” he said.
In his new role, Dr. LeCates’ responsibilities will include patient care, quality and safety, strategy, financial management, and recruiting.

While the passive/active implications were not addressed in a statement released by Bassett this afternoon, generally the “passive parent” model allows more independence among subsidiary hospitals.  Under the “active parent” model, there usually is a consolidate financial statement for the system, requiring more intensive management and oversight.