Lower Keys Medical Center Names New Chief Executive Officer

Key West, Fla. – October 28, 2016 – Lower Keys Medical Center (LKMC) has appointed David Clay Chief Executive Officer, effective November 28. He joins LKMC from Sandhills Regional Medical Center in Hamlet, North Carolina.

“I look forward to joining the team at Lower Key Medical Center and supporting the physicians, nurses and other staff members who care for this community,” Clay said. “During the interview process, I had productive and quality conversations with several employees, physicians, Board members and community leaders. Together, we will continue to enhance the quality of care and patient experience and work toward our goal of becoming a trusted healthcare resource for the Lower Keys.”

While at Sandhills, Clay recruited several physicians and mid-level providers, significantly grew emergency, surgical and primary care services, and improved nine patient satisfaction measures to at or greater than the 90th percentile in the state of North Carolina. The hospital achieved several quality designations during his tenure. David was recently named among Becker’s Top 50 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know earlier this year.

“David’s experience will complement our work to grow services, recruit new providers and increase patient, physician and employee satisfaction,” Dr. Robin Lockwood, LKMC Board of Trustees Chairman. “We look forward to working with him to respond to the healthcare needs of the Lower Keys community.”

Prior to serving as CEO at Sandhills, Clay held several other operational roles for hospitals in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Oklahoma. He began his career as a respiratory therapist in Wichita, Kansas, and has a keen understanding of the important role every associate plays in delivering quality care and creating positive experiences for our patients. Clay has a bachelor’s degree in health science and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Wichita State University. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

David has been very involved in the communities where he lives and currently participates in several civic organizations in Hamlet. He and his wife, Gayla, look forward to relocating to Key West and becoming active in the community.

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