Contributed photo G. Richard Garman, Executive Director of Wayne Memorial Health System, introduces David L. Hoff to Sandy French, RN, CNOR, an operating room staff nurse. (Click for larger image)

Wayne Memorial introduces new executive director

HONESDALE — The employees of Wayne Memorial Hospital were introduced to David L. Hoff, who has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Health System. Hoff will succeed current executive director G. Richard Garman in late August 2001.

Garman and Hoff greeted employees in various departments of the health system and its affiliates.  “It’s an honor to be here,” said Hoff, “and it’s an honor to be chosen as executive director. I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know Wayne Memorial and Wayne County. What impresses me most is the people and the level of their commitment to the betterment of the health of this community.”

Hoff was chosen after an 18-month, nationwide search that involved the executive committee, the board of directors and Garman.

According to Tom Shepstone, Chairman of the health system board, who led the search for a new executive director, more than 200 candidates were considered for the position. Hoff impressed the search committee with his “collaborative leadership style that we believe will be essential to keeping our team together and moving forward,” Shepstone said. “He exhibits a strong interest in healthcare as an issue and an industry with the ability to plan for the future of our system.

Most importantly, he and his wife Jennifer have showed all of us a level of energy and enthusiasm and an appreciation for our values that indicate they will be a great fit for Wayne Memorial Health System and the community it represents.”

Hoff has more than 19 years experience in managing healthcare organizations. His specialties include hospital operations, financial management, physician relations, strategic planning, marketing and political advocacy. He comes to Wayne Memorial from Iron County Community Hospital, a multi-facility healthcare organization on Michigan’s rural upper peninsula.

Garman, who has been with Wayne Memorial for more than 25 years and has been executive director for the last seven years, will stay with the health system in a specialized capacity, concentrating on managed care contracts, fundraising and other areas of special interest.