Board President Wendell Chun, in a prepared statement, said the governing body believed Friel should continue leading the organization through the critical conversion phase and was recommending the extension of his CEO contract through February 2012. Chun added the board was prepared to work closely with Friel throughout the process.

Both Chun and Friel in their statements acknowledged that the topic of the contract extension had been a major issue of distraction during board meetings. Both agreed they were ready to work with the governing board in moving on and focusing on the hospital’s transition.

“Our mission to provide quality healthcare to the residents of the district is far more important than either of our personal agendas,” said Friel.

See the May 4 issue of The Leader for the full story.