BY STACI WILSON

Continued growth and the need to seek out available funding streams have precipitated a transition at the helm of Endless Mountains Health Systems in the coming year.

Effective Jan. 1, Rex Catlin will become the EMHS Development Officer – a new administrative position within the hospital.

Current Chief Financial Officer Loren Stone will take over as EMHS’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO); and EMHS will welcome Josephine Bradley as CFO.

Catlin said the primary responsibility of the Development Officer position is to seek out and develop funding sources – from private foundations and the state and federal government.

There is a constant pressure at health care facilities to maximize reimbursements. “It takes someone working full-time to find and supplement funding for the hospital,” Catlin said.

In addition to funding, Catlin will also be developing new lines of service offered at EMHS, as well as physician recruitment, and community outreach to customers and providers.

Catlin, who has served as the CEO of EMHS for about 25 years, said that “good timing” has played into the move to transition to the new position.

“Loren has been in place for 11 years,” Catlin said, “and with the new facility and upgraded services provided, it is time for a more dedicated focus on equipment, new business development and funding.”

EMHS has been working toward the transition for a couple of years and were waiting to find the right CFO to join the team, Catlin said.

As CEO, Stone will manage the day-to-day operations of EMHS.

Stone has been with EMHS for 13 years, and has a total of 24 years of experience in health care administration. He has played an integral role within EMHS as it became recognized as a Critical Access Hospital, as well as through the construction process of the new hospital and physician’s clinic in Bridgewater Twp.

Customer service is valued by Stone and wants that to carry through to EMHS employees. “Everybody’s role makes a impact with a patient’s experience and that impact’s patient care,” he said.

Both said the transition to new roles within EMHS and the addition of Bradley as CFO will work to benefit both the hospital and community, and will provide greater overall continuity to the administration.

EMHS has also updated their website, www.endlesscare.org, with a list of services available, physicians and providers, and on-line health records,