Hospital committee orders competitive RFP for CEO search; agrees existing candidates must follow same process

The Hospital Authority committee voted to issue a competitive request for proposals to hire an executive search firm to lead the hospital’s CEO search after Metro Legal advised the prior arrangement did not comply with state competitive-bidding rules.

Metro Legal attorney Matthew Garth told the committee “the recommendation is for the contract for an executive search firm to go through a competitive bidding process,” saying the prior arrangement “never went through a competitive bidding process” required by state law. The committee moved and seconded a motion to proceed with a competitive solicitation, and members voted in favor.

The committee’s decision follows a review of the previous search arrangement and a discussion about how to treat individuals who had already expressed interest in the CEO position. Committee member Dr. Martin said the group has “at least 4, strong candidates who have come forward, who are kind of waiting to hear” and warned some candidates could accept other jobs if the process is prolonged. Members agreed that any existing candidates should be put through the same process as other applicants rather than receiving special treatment.

Committee members discussed the scope and practical design of the RFP. Hospital staff reported that Metro Procurement has received a draft RFP and asked for names of search firms to notify. Committee members expressed a preference to cast a broad net and suggested the procurement could award a master services agreement (MSA) that would allow the authority to use the selected firm for future executive searches, not only the CEO.

Donna Wolford told the committee such an MSA is common: “If we provide this RFP and find a search firm that is an executive search firm, we can create with them a master service agreement instead of just specific to the CEO.” Committee members noted an MSA might yield more favorable pricing and make future searches quicker.

Members and staff also discussed composition of the evaluation team that will review proposals. The group agreed it is important that the committee have representation in the evaluation because the chosen firm will work closely with the committee on the CEO selection. The chair asked Metro Legal and procurement staff to advise on how to structure an evaluation team consistent with public meetings law.

The committee agreed that communications to candidates should come from a single, consistent source to avoid individual board members appearing to favor candidates. The chair accepted responsibility for sending status updates to candidates and staff confirmed a draft RFP has been shared with Metro Procurement for review and comment.

The committee did not adopt a narrow timeline at the meeting; members noted prior estimates from AMN that a search can take about six months and that the procurement and selection process could extend that timeline. The chair said the committee’s biweekly meeting schedule might be adjusted while procurement proceeds.

Votes at a glance Motion: “The will of the committee is to do a competitive solicitation to hire an executive search firm.” Mover: not specified. Second: Ms. Smith. Outcome: approved (no opposing votes recorded in the transcript).