William Macri (T-G File Photo by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge]

Bedford County Medical Center announced Wednesday that Bill Macri has resigned as chief executive officer. He had served as BCMC's administrator since February 2003 and was CEO during the sale of the hospital by Bedford County to Community Health Systems.

Mike Rittenberry, chairman of BCMC's Board of Trustees, acknowledged Macri's contributions to the hospital. "Bill provided positive leadership at Bedford County Medical Center during a key time in the hospital's development. He made many contributions to both the hospital and the community, and we wish him well."

Effective Monday, Dan Buckner will be interim CEO. A BCMC press release calls Buckner "a skilled hospital administrator with more than 20 years of health care management experience." He was most recently chief operating officer at SkyRidge Medical Center in Cleveland, Tenn.

Buckner is not to be confused with the Dan Buckner from Dickson who is an owner of Gowen-Smith Chapel, directly across the street from BCMC.

A search for a new chief executive is underway. Board and medical staff members will be involved in the identification of a new administrator.

The hospital has a new facility now under construction on U.S. 231 in Airport Industrial Park and expects to move during the second half of 2008.