Hospital committee affirms interim CEO terms for Dr. Elders, delays search‑firm decision pending legal review

At a Hospital Authority committee meeting, members confirmed that Dr. Diana Elders will serve as interim chief executive under terms set by a previously approved board resolution and unanimously voted to postpone a decision on hiring executive-search firm AMN (formerly B.E. Smith) until Metro Legal completes a procurement review.

The committee’s discussion centered on whether a separate interim CEO employment contract is necessary, the scope of any additional administrative leave or severance that might be granted, and whether the authority must run a new competitive procurement or may rely on a 2014 master agreement with B.E. Smith (now part of AMN). Committee members also discussed a Metro Council resolution urging broad stakeholder engagement in the CEO search and noted heightened council interest after a recent injection of city funds.

Committee members said the board already approved a resolution appointing Dr. Elders as interim CEO at a prior full‑board meeting and that she has accepted and signed that resolution. Hospital counsel told the committee the resolution…