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PMC trustees move to recall CEO contract |
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Wednesday, 02 April 2008 |
By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
After just over six months at the helm of the Pondera Medical Center, on Thursday, the board of trustees terminated the contract of the 47-year-old CEO, Bruce Porter.
The action was taken in executive session. Porter was not present during the discussion leading up to his termination.
That action was questioned by a board member who was informed, under advice of attorneys retained by the PMC, from the firm of Ugrin, Alexander, Zadick & Higgins of Great Falls, that he did not need to be present during the discussion on his future at the PMC and the trustee’s decision.
However, it turned out that was bad advice and in violation of the Open Meeting Act of Montana.
An individual has the right to be present and the choice to make that portion of the meeting open, or closed to the public, and to see the board vote on any such action.
At an emergency meeting of the trustees on Friday afternoon, Cathy Lewis, an attorney at the law firm told the trustees, “…missed something, we’ll try to make it right.”
Meanwhile, trustees moved to rescind the action they had taken Thursday evening. Porter was placed on administration leave with pay.
There will be another trustee meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in the conference room at the hospital.
Porter will be invited to attend this meeting with the option of the meeting to be open or closed to the public. He will be asked to tender his resignation as CEO of the Pondera Medical Center.
On a related issue, Dr. Shawn Nesbo has submitted his resignation, which is effective May 30.
Meanwhile the PMC has had a visit with Dr. Edward Zimmerman who expressed an interest in relocating here.
He is board certified in family practice as well as being certified in advanced cardiac life support and trauma life support, advanced life support in obstetrics, pediatric advanced life support and neonatal advanced life support.
He is married with three school age children and his wife is a veterinarian. Currently he is practicing in Kansas.
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