Hospital president retires earlier than expected

The president and CEO of Craven Regional Medical Center retired Thursday, effective immediately.

Raymond Budrys has worked at the hospital since 1997.

He informed the hospital's board of directors in May that he intended to retire in 2009.

"He provided us with appropriate notice," board Chairman Lonnie Pridgen said in a prepared statement Thursday.

"We extend our deepest appreciation to Mr. Budrys, who has served our organization well," Pridgen said. "During his tenure, our organization has enhanced its reputation as the region's premier health care provider and has enjoyed impressive growth. We are grateful for his service and wish him well in his retirement."

Budrys could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Milt Gold has been named the interim chief executive officer of the hospital.

Gold is a member of the hospital's board of directors and has been a businessman in this area for more than 30 years.

He served as president and chief executive officer of Amital Spinning Corporation.

He has also served on Craven County's Economic Development Commission and has led N.C. Citizens for Business and Industry.

Administrative duties at Craven Regional Medical Center will be handled by the hospital's vice presidents.

"The vice president on-call duty rotates," said hospital spokeswoman Megan McGarvey.

The Board of Directors "has begun the search for the most appropriate health-care leader to serve as the next president" of Craven Regional Medical Center, the hospital said.

A special meeting on the matter is planned, McGarvey said, but a date has not been set.

Among the projects that a new leader will oversee is a planned million-dollar expansion of the hospital's emergency room.

That work is scheduled to begin in September.