[caption id="attachment_29311" align="aligncenter" width="819"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Russell-Baxley-Headshot-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-29311"><img class="size-large wp-image-29311" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Russell-Baxley-Headshot-1-819x1024.jpg" alt="Russell Baxley" width="819" height="1024" /></a> Russell Baxley[/caption]

Edmond Russell Baxley, III, has been named the new president and chief executive officer of Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

He will replace outgoing president and CEO, Rick Toomey, beginning Sept. 12. Toomey has agreed to stay on in a consulting role through the transition, as needed.

"Russell is a bright, energetic leader with an impressive track record of smart, strategic management and growth," said BMH board Chair Terry Murray. "His experience and vision will help guide our hospital through the increasingly complex world of healthcare and position us to better serve our community for years to come."

Baxley most recently was CEO for Lancaster Regional Medical Center in Lancaster, Pa. The 213-bed hospital includes an inpatient psychiatric hospital; cancer, heart and orthopaedic programs; multiple surgical specialties; a physician group with more than 100 providers; and a telemedicine program, among other services.

Under his leadership the hospital developed and expanded critical services, including neurosurgery and oncology; constructed a 30,000-square-foot facility with urgent care and a multitude of outpatient services, including physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine, imaging and an internal medicine clinic; developed telemedicine and population health management programs; recruited 20 primary care and specialty providers to meet the needs of the community; and improved patient satisfaction scores across 10 key areas.

A Johnsonville, S.C., native, Baxley received his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Clemson University and his Masters of Healthcare Administration from the University of South Carolina. He has held roles as chief operating officer, assistant chief financial officer and director of development in small- and mid-size hospitals in both South Carolina and Texas, including Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, and Paris Regional Medical Center in Paris, Texas. He also served as director of operations and finance for a large family medicine practice and medical spa in Columbia.

“I am very excited to join the team at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and look forward to working with its talented and dedicated employees, medical staff, administrators and board of trustees,” said Baxley. “Everyone I’ve encountered has shown a commitment to community and a passion for patient care, both of which are building blocks for improving the health of the people we serve. I see a bright future for the hospital and am eager to build upon the excellent work of Rick Toomey and his team.”

Following the resignation of Rick Toomey last January, the BMH board of trustees appointed a nine-member search committee to find a new leader. The committee was chaired by Jerry Schulze, immediate past BMH board chair.Schulze and the team worked with executive search firm Witt/Kieffer to identify potential candidates.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Russell to the leadership team at Beaufort Memorial," said Schulze. "In his past positions he has demonstrated great abilities to lead teams to develop and improve services, while working to maintain financial stability and growth. He will be an excellent addition to the team."

Baxley is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has been actively involved in community and professional organizations and activities throughout his career. He and his wife, Stephanie, are looking forward to relocating to the Lowcountry early this fall.