Cookeville Regional CEO Paul Korth said the medical center will cooperate with city council members on the investigation of Ricky Shelton.
“CRMC followed all policies and procedures with this hire and the offer of employment was contingent upon Shelton resigning from the CRMC Board of Trustees to ensure that there was not a conflict of interest present,” Korth said in a statement released Friday.
Korth said he met individually this week with each council member and “has shared the entire hiring process while also answering questions.”
Korth also released the timeline of Shelton’s hire Friday night:
- September 30: Chief Strategy Officer Position posted on CRMC Website
- October 9: Chief Strategy Officer Position posting ended
- October: Interviews conducted about 18 candidates (some out of state)
- November 6: Shelton offered employment
Korth said Shelton requested input from the city attorney before applying for the job and before taking the job on the proper procedures.
“As we looked to the future of Cookeville Regional Medical Center, we knew that strategy would be key in initiating business processes,” Korth said. “Having a senior level strategy position to focus solely on, and implement strategic initiatives, is critical to the success of the medical center. It is commonplace for hospitals to have this type of position.”
Shelton’s position expands on that on the Cookeville Regional Marketing Director. Melahn Finley retired last year. Korth said the Chief Strategy Officer includes Marketing/Communications/Public Relations, Physician Recruitment, Physician Relationship, Physician Outreach, Government Relations, Safety, Security and Special Projects.
