by Sabrina Simms

NATCHEZ — Merit Health Natchez and the Natchez community wished hospital CEO Eric Robinson farewell in a reception Tuesday evening after his six years of service to the local medical community.

Robinson began his healthcare career in Alabama in 2005 after earning two masters degrees in science, health and business administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

During his years of service Robinson oversaw Natchez Community Hospital purchasing and then merging with the former Natchez Regional Medical Center to form Merit Health Natchez.

Robinson also became an outstanding Natchezian in his six years, serving on the board of directors for the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.

Robinson, his wife, Jenny, and two of their three children attended the reception to accept the gratitude of nearly 100 hospital personnel and friends.

“We definitely have called this place home for the last six years,” Jenny Robinson said. “We’ve definitely put down roots here, but we’re excited about the opportunity and the future of our family.”

Eric Robinson said he accepted a position as president and CEO of marketing for CHI-St. Luke’s Health-Memorial hospital in Lufkin, Texas.

“It is a little bit of a leap of faith — leaving Natchez to go to Texas,” Eric Robinson said. “We’ve enjoyed being here so much. We’re very optimistic, and I have faith things will work out well for us when we get there.”

The hospital invited the public to say goodbye and thank Robinson for his years of service, Merit Health Natchez Marketing Director Kay Ketchings said.

“We invited all of our hospital personnel … physicians, board members … and anyone who just wanted to stop by and wish him well Ketchings said.

Wooden mallard ducks decorated the tables as a tribute to Robinson’s love of hunting.

Robinson said he has made many friends in Natchez and will dearly miss them, however, he and his wife both said they are excited about the path ahead of them.

“There’s been a lot of challenges along the way, but I think we’ve faced all of them head-on,” Robinson said. “I’ve always taken advantage of opportunities that we’ve had to grow and do better, and I think the hospital will continue to do that even after I’m long gone.”