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MADISONVILLE, Ky. — An individual with a wealth of experience and some solid Kentucky roots has been chosen to lead Trover Foundation's integrated health care network.

Berton Whitaker was introduced as the new CEO and President at a Friday, April 28, press conference held at the Trover Clinic Tower in Madisonville. Whitaker will replace longtime Trover executive Bobby Dampier, who announced his retirement in late fall of 2005.

Dampier will remain with the organization through December of this year to assist with a smooth transition.

Mark Eastin, Trover's Chairman of the Board, called Whitaker the "right
person to lead this organization."

"We exhausted much time and energy into this search because we understood the importance of finding the right person. We literally started with a field of several hundred candidates, but by the end of this process there was one clear choice – Berton Whitaker.

"He met and exceeded every qualification we were searching for in terms of fit," Eastin explained. "Obviously, his experience in similar environments jumped out at us, but it was more than that, much more. Mr. Whitaker is an individual with an incredible work ethic and a background not unlike a lot of people in western Kentucky."

Bert was raised in a working class family that moved between Floyd County, Ky. and north central Ohio. His father was a coal miner and steel worker and his mother worked inside the home. The oldest child in a large family, Bert was one of only two siblings to earn a college degree.

"Growing up in some tough conditions at times taught me the value of obtaining a good education, and also helped me to develop as a hard worker," Whitaker said. "I have a strong respect for working people, and through health care, I have found a way to serve and make a positive difference in the lives of others."

Whitaker comes to Trover Foundation from Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tenn. There he served as President/CEO of the 540-bed non-profit medical center.

Dampier, who served on the search committee, cited Whitaker's proven track record as a visionary in the health care arena to be an attractive quality in the new CEO.

"As far as Health care is concerned, there's not much he hasn't seen or been apart of over the past 25 years," Dampier said. "Every facility he has been associated with has benefited from his leadership and direction. He understands rural medicine and has worked toward the recruitment and retention of physicians in similar environments.

"Beyond his health care knowledge, Bert is a solid family man with a
history of community involvement," Dampier added. "I have no doubt he will be a valuable asset to Hopkins County and western Kentucky on many fronts."

"I will tell you that I certainly have had mixed emotions about my retirement. After 35 years, I feel tremendous ownership and commitment for this place. But, leaving the organization in such capable hands certainly gives me the peace of mind I need to enjoy the coming years."

Whitaker will officially assume the reins as CEO/President on June 5.

"This is an amazing opportunity for my family and me. Not only do we get to return to the great state of Kentucky, but we get to do so at one of the premiere rural health care providers in the entire nation. I'm honored to have been chosen and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work."

Bert and his wife, Harriett, have been married for over 30 years. Harriett is a business person in her own right with a successful career in real estate. The couple has two children, Amanda and Alex. Amanda is a first grade teacher and will soon enter school to become a pediatric nurse. Alex is a college sophomore and plans to enter law school.

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