Erlanger Board appoints a temporary CEO to replace Kevin Spiegel

(An update to this story adds quotes and photo of Dr. Jackson)

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Erlanger Board is meeting to figure out their next steps after CEO and President Kevin Spiegel announced he was leaving.

They approved his resignation, effective September 11th and finalized his separation payments.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to express our appreciation for Kevin’s vision and efforts surrounding our impressive growth and presence throughout the region,” Griffin said.

Spiegel negotiated his exit from Erlanger after two board meetings were called to consider his future with the hospital.

But the board is adamant that he was not fired.

“He has made many valuable contributions over the past six years and, on behalf of the Board, we wish him, his wife and their family all the best going forward.”

The board then approved naming Dr. Will Jackson as their CEO for the next year.

But they will not call him an interim CEO.

The board will consider a longer term solution at their next meeting.

“On behalf of Erlanger’s Board of Trustees, we welcome Dr. Jackson during this period of transition,” Griffin stated.  “We have every confidence that he will continue Erlanger’s movement in a positive direction and strengthen relationships inside the health system and in the many communities we serve.”