Randolph Health leader to depart

Paul B. Johnson, The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·2 min read

Mar. 9—RANDOLPH COUNTY — The top executive at Randolph Health will leave her job next month amid an ownership change for the financially struggling health system.

CEO Angela Orth announced Monday that she will depart effective April 15.

The new owner of the health system, American Healthcare Systems, announced it has chosen Tim Ford of Blowing Rock, currently regional vice president for Glidenet Healthcare, to succeed Orth.

Orth has steered the health system during the past several years through a search for a new owner to stabilize Randolph Health's long-term fiscal footing. The health system filed a year ago this month for bankruptcy protection to reorganize its debt and make it more attractive for a merger.

In October, California-based American Healthcare Systems agreed to purchase Randolph Health, which includes Randolph Hospital in Asheboro, in a deal signed off on by the bankruptcy court. The acquisition is expected to be finalized this month.

Orth said she's not leaving because of the ownership change. She said in a statement that she had the opportunity to remain as CEO but has chosen to pursue new opportunities.

"I've had the privilege to serve Randolph Health for the past eight years, almost three as CEO, at a time when the organization was in financial turmoil," Orth said. "My commitment to preserve local health care and build a sustainable health care system never wavered. It has been a professional highlight and an honor to do this work — and now it is time for me to pass the baton to a new leader who will continue to advance health care in our community."

Mack Pugh, chairman of the Randolph Health board of directors, praised Orth for her service.

"Her ability to lead during a pivotal time in our history, was an inspiration to our Board, hospital staff, medical staff and our community," Pugh said.

Orth and Ford said in a statement that they will work together to ensure a smooth transition.

Ford has more than 30 years of executive health care experience. His expertise includes addressing rural models of care, cost reduction strategies and transforming health care organizations, Randolph Health said in a press release.

Ford said that the new owner will sustain the hospital's operations with all services currently offered, along with maintaining and investing in Randolph Health's staff and medical group. American Healthcare System will invest in resources and equipment to ensure long-term viability of health care services in Randolph County, he said.

pjohnson@hpenews.com — 336-888-3528 — @HPEpaul

pjohnson@hpenews.com — 336-888-3528 — @HPEpaul