Clark Regional Medical Center announced Thursday Robert Parker has been named market president of LifePoint’s Central Kentucky East market, which includes Clark Regional Medical Center and Bourbon Community Hospital, and chief executive officer of CRMC, effective May 1.

Parker replaces Ron Tyrer who has been serving as interim CEO since mid-March.

“We are so excited to have Robert step into this important leadership role,” said Scott Raplee, president of LifePoint’s Central Group, of which the Central Kentucky East market is a part. “He is an exemplary leader, and his commitment to patient care, physicians, employees and the community is evident in all that he does. I know that under his leadership, the Central Kentucky East market will grow even stronger and further advance our mission of Making Communities Healthier.”

An experienced and dynamic leader, Parker most recently served as market president for Meadowview Regional Medical Center and Fleming County Hospital, a regional collaboration that was formed in 2016 under Robert’s leadership, as well as CEO of MRMC.

As market president, Parker developed a market strategy to create greater synergy between the hospitals that has led to the launch of a market hospitalist program and the expansion of specialty services for the region. Since coming together as a market, the hospitals have also seen operational improvements through more streamlined processes and procedures and experienced significant enhancements in patient safety.

Prior to his promotion to market president, Parker spent five years as the CEO of MRMC, during which time the hospital’s culture of safety and engagement score jumped dramatically. He also drove significant improvements in physician and patient satisfaction, oversaw a $5.5 million hospital renovation, and led the hospital to earn LifePoint’s prestigious company-wide High Five Award in 2014.

For his outstanding leadership, ethical values and integrity, Robert was recognized as LifePoint’s 2013 Fleetwood Award Winner, which he considers the honor of his career.

“To say we are impressed with Robert’s character and background is an understatement,” said Allen Cawley, chair of CRMC’s Board of Trustees. “He is such a good fit for our hospital and our community, and we are really looking forward to working with him to lead the hospital forward.”

Before taking on the top leadership position at MRMC, Robert spent seven years at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, also a LifePoint facility, as chief operating officer and assistant administrator. He also served as executive director of cardiovascular services and director of imaging services for Lake Cumberland.

Before venturing into health care, Robert spent 16 years as an industrial engineer for Milliken & Company, Inc.

“Clark Regional is known for its commitment to quality and the people it serves,” Parker said. “I am really excited to take on this new role, build on the strong foundation laid by previous leadership, and further establish our market as the regional leader in healthcare.”

Parker has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He is a big believer in taking an active role in the community and has served on numerous boards and advisory councils throughout his professional career ranging in scope from public education to the Chamber of Commerce to area churches and leadership of the regional March of Dimes campaign.