Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008

Cook named new CEO at Jefferson County hospital

by Kenneth Lassiter

Ask new Jefferson County Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer LaMont Cook what brought him to the community hospital in Winchester and you’ll get a laundry list of positives.

Cook, 39, took over for retiring CEO Joye Huston Nov. 12 after 4 1/2 years in a similar position at the Oswego Medical Center in southeastern Kansas. He and his wife, JoAnne, and their seven children ranging in age from 14 to 1 have lived in Kansas for nine years. They have purchased a home in rural Leavenworth County that they are working to remodel.

Cook said the health care profession brought him to Kansas and the potential he found in JCMH was what brought him north from Oswego.

“I’ve grown to love this area and the state,” said Cook, who is still only somewhat settled in at the hospital as he awaits a more permanent office. “I see this particular facility as a hospital with great opportunities and incredible potential. I like to work in an environment where there are opportunities for growth and opportunities to make an impact. I was also impressed with the board here. They’re extremely supportive and I felt like they were dedicated to the area and the surrounding communities. You can accomplish a lot of things with a supportive board and community and I really feel that’s the case here.”

Cook broke in to the health care field as a certified emergency medical technician in his home state of Utah. While in college at Weber State University in Utah, he worked his way through as a certified nursing assistant and found a calling. He got his bachelor’s degree in health care administration and was on his way.

“I just had a feel for hospital care,” Cook said. “I’ve always felt it’s important to serve in the community when you can and I’ve found an environment I really enjoy.”

After graduation his career path led him to Kansas and, while he was in southeast Kansas, he earned his master’s degree in business administration, which he said he feels suits him well for a CEO position.

“I think it allows you a view outside the regular health care setting,” said Cook. His wife has a degree in education but is currently a stay-at-home mom. “You can look for opportunities in a broader market.”

With an eye on growth, Cook said a few changes are being pursued at the hospital. The south lobby that was being remodeled will be made into a new storefront pharmacy at the hospital. He said other changes are in the works with himself and the board of directors but nothing has been set in stone as of yet.

“We’ll put a new sign out front (for the pharmacy),” Cook said. “That’ll be the first change you’re gonna see. We thought it would be nice to have a space for people to be able to get over-the-counter medication. Right now we have it but it’s all behind the counter. We hope to have an open house on the new pharmacy within the next 60 days or so.

“There are other changes we’re developing, including a couple new programs. Fundraising is an important element here, but so is helping out those who are less fortunate.”

As he looks back on the first couple months of his tenure at JCMH, Cook said everything has gone about as smoothly as he could have hoped. He said his first impressions of the hospital and the area have stood the test of his early tenure.

“I like the rural setting but also like the fact you’re close to Topeka, Kansas City and Lawrence,” he said. “The area just has so much to offer. I’ve been very impressed with the staff. Changes like the new pharmacy are easy when you have a wonderful staff. And we have such a supportive community here. Jefferson County is very fortunate to have this business here, and I’m looking forward to helping it grow. I feel like we’ve got a new direction we’re heading in. The whole package is appealing to me. I’ve just fallen in love with the place.”