Moving across country for Pensacola was a risk. It paid off. | Guestview
The date June 9, 1996 is special to me. That was my first day as administrator of Baptist Hospital, Inc. Over these years I can count on two things happening on June 9. I will receive a nice note from Fred Donavon and Bob Murphy. Fred was on the Baptist Healthcare Board and was part of the hiring process. I met Bob on my first day. He was the nurse supervisor on duty that Sunday I started and spent a good 10 hours showing me around.
I was to start June 10. My excitement kicked in and I could not wait till the 9th.
More: Baptist, Sacred Heart receive $1 million donation from Quint and Rishy Studer
More: CivicCon: Quint Studer provides four-point blueprint for a vibrant community
I was recruited to Baptist by Al Stubblefield. Al was trying to do multiple jobs between Baptist Healthcare Corporate and the Hospital on E Street. I had met Al and some members of his team in the spring of 1995 when they visited Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago where I was working. Al, as the best leaders do, was always searching for ways to be better. Holy Cross had received notice of the turnaround made in patient and employee satisfaction. I was impressed that Al took time himself to visit.
In October of that year, Al had me come to Pensacola to share with the Baptist Health Care system leaders the Holy Cross Story. It was an in-and-out trip, so I did not see much of the area.
In March of 1996, Al called me to Chicago. He asked if I was interested in joining Baptist Healthcare as the administrator of Baptist Hospital, Inc. Rishy and I traveled down to Pensacola. I had good memories of being with the leadership group in the fall of 1995. There were so many passionate people including a young up-and-comer named Mark Faulkner.
I also felt good about the board and people who were part of the interview process. Sandy Sansing was the board chair and board members Ron Jackson and Fred Donavon were part of the selection process. With Al and the board we discussed that my style would make some people uncomfortable. In fact, that first year I knew the group got pressure that I was not a good fit at times. The board understood the big picture and supported me. The entire board stayed together.
More: Baptist Health Care breaks ground on new $615 million health care campus
More: 'Who's counting?': New Baptist hospital 354 days away from move-in
As June 9 rolls around I have the deepest gratitude for Al Stubblefield, Baptist Hospital, Inc. Board for their support. The many physicians and employees who hung in there when people questioned what this guy from up north is doing.
Of course, while I am no longer part of Baptist Healthcare, Rishy and I have stayed in the area. We continue to be grateful for the opportunity to be in this area.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Quint Studer: Moving across country for Pensacola was a risk that paid off
