BY ALAN ROARK
DBJ Contributing Writer

Delta Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer, L. Ray Humphreys recently announced the addition of Cecelia D. Bost, M.S., B.S.N., as the hospital’s new Chief Operating Officer. According to Humphreys, Ms. Bost, who officially joined the staff July 1, 2002, brings a wealth of health care experience to Delta Regional in both clinical services and hospital administration.
“We are very pleased to welcome Ms. Cecelia Bost to Delta Regional Medical Center,” Humphreys says. “As we work to fulfill our mission and vision for the tri-state Delta region and as our patient satisfaction and quality of patient care continues to improve, it is vital that we bring aboard highly experienced and qualified leaders like Ms. Bost,” he continues. “Her diverse background in both administration and clinical areas will complement our Senior Leadership Team and her presence will further propel us forward towards our goals,” Humphreys concludes.
Prior to joining the Senior Leadership team at Delta Regional, Bost served as the Clinical Director/Director of Nurses-Adolescent Services at the Brattleboro Retreat in Brattleboro, Vermont. She has more than 15 years experience in hospital administration including general operational management, risk management, quality assurance, JCAHO (Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization) preparation, and has served as a Mock JCAHO and HCFA surveyor and consultant, as well as management of clinical and nursing services. Bost also served in the United States Air Force medical service for nine years, retiring as a Captain. During her career in the Air Force, she spent three years as an aeromedical evacuation nurse. As a member of this elite team of medical personnel, she provided medical assistance to American troops and private citizens throughout Europe who were sick or injured.
Bost holds a Masters of Science Degree in Management from the University of Texas at Commerce and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. She also received extensive medical training while in the Air Force, including courses in Intensive Coronary Care, Nursing Service Management, Flight Nurse training and attended Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officer School.
In addition to a wide variety of administrative projects and duties assigned by the CEO, Bost is responsible for the direction of the following departments and services: Pharmacy; Radiology; Laboratory; Rehabilitation Services and the Rehabilitation Center; Solutions Psychiatric Center; Home Health/Hospice; the Wound Healing Center; and the Burn Center. She says she is ready to take on the new challenge she faces at Delta Regional Medical Center.
“I have always looked for new challenges and opportunities in each position I’ve held throughout my career,” Bost notes. “From the moment I walked in the doors at Delta Regional Medical Center, I could feel that this was the place I needed to be.
“I am very pleased with the make-up of our Senior Leadership team,” Bost adds. “We are a multi-disciplinary group representing the financial, nursing, operational and human resource functions of the hospital.” “My role entails more of the nuts and bolts aspects of hospital management.”
“We (the Senior Leadership team) share Mr. Humphrey’s vision for the Medical Center to bring advanced, compassionate care to the people of the Delta,” she continues. “We are a diverse team, serving a diverse community.”
Bost says she has enjoyed getting to know the staff at Delta Regional Medical Center.
“I have been all over the facility, meeting staff and getting familiar with the hospital,” she says. “We have a very strong Quality Improvement program going here and very advanced equipment and services.” “I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the great things that are on the horizon for Delta Regional.”
According to Bost her experience as a new member of the Greenville community has been a very positive one.
“I have been impressed with the warmth and friendliness of the hospital staff and the community,” she notes. “I already feel quite at home, have found a church family and am anxious to get involved in community activities.”
A native of North Carolina, Bost is the oldest of five children and the only daughter. Her parents still reside in North Carolina and she has brothers in Germany, Alabama, Florida and North Carolina.
“Throughout my life, each new opportunity has been a great adventure,” Bost shares. “I believe my new role at Delta Regional Medical Center will prove to be very satisfying both professionally and personally,” she adds. “In the Delta I’m not only closer to my immediate family geographically, but I’m also a member of a staff and community that have embraced me and made me feel a part of their collective families.” DBJ