NATCHEZ — Eric Robinson is leaving Merit Health Natchez after just more than three years as CEO of the facility.

Robinson has accepted a position out of state and his last day as CEO will be Thursday, according to a statement recently released by Merit Health Regional President and CEO Steve Dobbs.

“We appreciate all of Robinson’s contributions to our hospital and our community.  We wish him and his family much success in his new role,” Dobbs said in the statement.

Kay Ketchings, director of marketing for Merit Health, said Robinson had taken a position in Texas.

The hospital will host a farewell reception from 4 to 6 p.m. today, preceding Robinson’s departure.

“We at Merit Health Natchez deeply appreciate Eric’s contributions to our hospital and our community,” Ketchings said.  “Join us as we wish him and his family much success in his new role.”

Though only technically the CEO of Merit Health Natchez since October 2014, Robinson has been in Natchez healthcare since 2012.

Robinson first came to Natchez from Biloxi as the interim CEO for Natchez Community Hospital. After Natchez Community’s parent company purchased the bankrupt Natchez Regional Medical Center, the two facilities were merged into one and renamed.

Robinson was chosen to lead Merit Health Natchez.

“I have been very blessed to be surrounded by an exceptionally supportive board, an engaged medical staff and excellent group of leaders and staff members, and a community that has embraced me, Jenny and our boys,” Robinson said in a statement Thursday. “The relationships I have built will be what I will miss the most.”

The hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, Lee Hinson, will serve as interim CEO upon Robinson’s departure.
Reporter David Hamilton contributed to this report.