CRMC Board Approves Key’s New CEO Contract

Cookeville Regional Medical Center’s Board of Trustees approved new CEO Buffy Key’s contract at a salary of $539,000.

The Executive Committee comprised of Danny Rader, Dr. Joe Jestus, Cheryl Sandlin, Kevin Carter and Dr. Ernest Buchanan set the terms of the contract. Board Attorney Luke Hill said the contract is comparable to other individuals in similar positions and just slightly different than former CEO Paul Korth’s contract.

“The board considered long-term strategies that are important to this hospital and who best could meet those strategies,” Hill said. “And with Buffy being the interim CEO, the board felt it was an easy pick.”

Key previously served as the interim CEO for 5 months until the board voted her into the official role at its meeting last month. Board Chair Dr. Ernest Buchanan expressed his gratitude for Key’s commitment to the hospital and the community.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for Buffy and her unwavering commitment to step into this leadership role to ensure that the services we provide at the medical center continue to be exceptional,” Buchanan said. “She continues to show her commitment to our hospital’s mission of providing exceptional care to the patients in the Upper Cumberland, and she has done an exceptional job serving as interim, and we look forward to the future of our medical center under her leadership.”

Dr. Scott Copeland also expressed his gratitude and said that this is a great opportunity for the hospital and the community. He said having an opportunity to witness Key’s efforts and commitment the hospital has proven her ability to do a great job.

“I think Ms. Key understands as do all of us on the board and the administration, we understand there’s been some issues with the emergency room and I think Buffy appreciates that and understands that the things we’re looking at to address those issues,” Copeland said. “And continue to keep the hospital in a financially stable condition and maintain a quality of care that tour physicians and nurses and providers provide to the community. “