MADISONVILLE, Ky. — For more than 35 years, Bobby Dampier has been an important figure in the health care scene for western Kentucky and the entire state.
Known as a firm but fair leader, Dampier came to Hopkins County Hospital in 1970 as the assistant administrator. He plans to leave Trover Foundation at the end of 2006 as President and CEO.
"I will approach retirement much the same way as a plane landing on an aircraft carrier, full speed at the last moment," said Dampier, who served in many administrative roles throughout the Trover organization prior to assuming the President and CEO position.
"I have mixed feelings about retiring, but it's time for me and the organization to identify new leadership and for me to enjoy time with my wife and family," he said.
The search for Dampier's successor will begin in earnest after the first of the year, according to Trover's Chairman of the Board, Mark Eastin.
"We all owe Mr. Dampier a debt of gratitude for his service to health care in Hopkins County and the state of Kentucky," Eastin said. "He's a man of the highest character with a wonderful understanding of the always-changing health care environment. You don't replace someone like Bob, but the board will work diligently to find the best candidate for this important position."
Trover's Board of Directors will form a "CEO Search Committee" to identify and interview potential successors.
"I have offered my insight to assist in this process," Dampier said. "I want to ensure a smooth transition, which is the paramount reason for my early announcement."
Dampier has been a part of an amazing transformation and growth process for Trover Foundation over the last three and a half decades.
He was instrumental in the construction of Regional Medical Center in 1979. His career championed the joining of Regional Medical Center and Trover Clinic into a seamless health care system in 1996. During his tenure, the organization grew into the largest employer in the county, providing jobs for over 2000 people.
Having a passion for growth, Dampier constantly encouraged the addition of new services and facilities to better serve the patients. In 1980 Regional Medical Center was the first hospital west of Louisville to perform open-heart surgery.
Under his encouragement, western Kentucky benefited from the addition of facilities such as the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center, the Center for Women's Health, the Center for Heart and Vascular Services as well as a new Same Day Surgery Unit, Emergency Department and Neonatal Intensive Care unit at RMC.
Also during his tenure, services such as Sports Medicine, Fitness Centers, Sleep Medicine, Wound Care, Acute Rehabilitation, neonatal intensive care, and many more were created to serve the region's health care needs.
"I'm very proud and honored to have been associated with an organization that is dedicated to being a leader in the delivery of quality medicine to those we serve," he said. "What we do here in a relatively rural setting has proven to be the model for many other health care organizations across the state and nation. Trover Foundation has and will continue to leave its mark as a leader in the industry."
Dampier said the formula for success was laid before he ever stepped foot in Madisonville.
"I was fortunate enough to learn from the best in Dr. Loman Trover," Dampier explained. "His vision and understanding of what was needed and what would work were unbelievable, and, in my opinion, laid the foundation for one of the best rural health care centers in the country."
In addition to his involvement in the health care arena, Dampier has played a vital role in community development through various board and civic partnerships. One of the most important interests for Dampier has been the continued growth of Madisonville Community College.
"Bobby has always been there for Madisonville Community College," explained MCC president Dr. Judith Rhoads. "His leadership and direction has helped shape who we are today. Through a strong partnership between Trover Foundation and MCC, our institution continues to produce some of the best allied health professionals anywhere in the country.
"I'm very proud to have worked with Bobby over the years and know that he will continue to provide his expertise as he moves toward retirement."
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