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The new CEO at Troy Regional Medical Center brings more than 35 years of progressive health care experience to the community.

Rick Smith, formerly chief operating officer at Orlando Health/Health Central Hospital, will replace former CEO Ronnie Dean beginning Jan 6, 2020.

“We conducted an in-depth search,” said Sherrill Crowe, chairman of the Troy Hospital Health Care Authority Board. “We had more than 40 applicants, but someone recommended we take a look at Rick and his resume jumped out to us … Rick was not actively looking for a job when the board reached out to him, and we are proud to say it worked out for all of us.”

Crowe cited Smith’s longevity in his previous two senior management roles, including six years at Orlando Health and 15 years as vice president at the 350-bed Bay Medical/Sacred Heart in Panama City, Florida. “That’s really impressive in the health care field,” Crowe said.

“We’re looking at this as fit, family and faith,” Smith said on Monday. “When the board reached out, I came up here and started a conversation and we developed that fit pretty quickly.”

As for family, Smith’s son is a graduate of Troy University and his two daughters live in the Birmingham area and the Florida Panhandle “So it’s definitely close to family,” he said.

And the faith? “We’re stepping out in faith that this is the right thing to do, and so many good things have already happened,” Smith said.

Smith grew up in the Florida panhandle and earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management and a masters in Health Administration. He is an Eagle Scout, recipient of the Golden Eagle Award and has been active in both professional and community organizations throughout his career, including serving as president of the American College of Healthcare Executives chapter in Central Florida.

Crowe added that Smith brings an outstanding skill set to the 97-bed publicly owned TRMC, with proven experience in engaging employees, physicians and the community.

“So many good things are already happening here,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the momentum developed here over the last couple of years so that when something thinks ‘health care’ in this area, we want them to think ‘TRMC.’”

Smith replaces Ronnie Dean, who accepted the CEO position with the South Georgia Health System based in Valdosta, Ga., in October.

“We’re excited to bring Rick to the table and to learn from the experiences he’s had in larger markets,” said Amy Minor, Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO. “We look forward to him helping us continue to grow.”

Smith and his wife, Shari, are in the process of moving to Troy. “We’re looking forward to it,” she said.