A Brownsville, Tenn. man has been appointed the new CEO of the Russell County Hospital, effective Jan. 10, according to Alliant Vice President Jeff Buckley.

David D. Rasmussen was selected after an extensive search and interview process that involved both the local hospital board of directors and senior executives of Louisville-based Alliant Management Services.

The Russell County Hospital Board of Directors met in executive session Wednesday, Dec. 8 to discuss and make a final recommendation to Alliant in terms of the candidate they felt would meet the needs of the hospital and the service area community.

The following Thursday, Buckley negotiated final terms with Rasmussen with both parties agreeing to a start date of Monday, Jan. 10.  

Rasmussen brings an interesting blend of education and experience to Russell County Hospital, according to Buckley.

Of particular interest and importance is Rasmussen's experience as a CEO within the investor-owned sector of the healthcare industry and an impressive track record in physician recruitment during his career, Buckley said. Rasmussen served as CEO of Haywood Park Community Hospital in Brownsville, Tenn. and McKenzie Regional Hospital in McKenzie, Tenn.

Both hospitals are owned and operated by Community Health Systems in Brentwood, Tenn.

Rasmussen received his Masters Degree in Health Service Administration from the University of Arkansas and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from Idaho State University. He is also Board Certified in Healthcare Management by the American College of Health Care Executives in Chicago.

Buckley said David and his wife, Deb, are very excited about joining the Russell County Hospital family and relocating to their new home in Russell County.

The hospital has been without a CEO since January 2009 and has had two interims in the meantime, both George Walz and the current interim Bernie Zucker have served in that capacity since former CEO Gary DelForge was relieved of his duties in January last year.