After months of anticipation, the search for a permanent CEO at Natchez Regional Medical Center is finally complete.

Jack Houghton, who comes to Natchez from Bossier City, La., will officially take over the reigns of the county-owned hospital in less than one month. He will lead the local management team for Quorum Health Resources Inc., which is under contract by the county to manage the day-to-day operations of the hospital.

Houghton brings 30 years of healthcare management experience with him into Natchez. And perhaps more important than his years in the business is that he brings a variety of experience in several types of hospitals — from for-profit facilities to county-owned hospitals such as Natchez Regional.

Let’s face it, Natchez Regional — like many small, rural hospitals — has seen better days.

Cutbacks caused by the controversial Balance Budget Act have wreaked havoc on the hospital’s finances.

If the financially strapped hospital is to continue to grow and prosper, someone with a stake in the future of our community needs to be in the key position.

As the permanent CEO, Houghton will be in the position to step into that role – and not a moment too soon.

Despite recent cutbacks in staff, Natchez Regional is one of the largest employers in our community and one of the key providers of healthcare services.

Our county needs the hospital to be the best hospital it can, and we think the appointment of a permanent leader goes a long way toward that end.