April 15, 2025 (Llano) – Llano Regional Hospital announces the resignation of its CEO, Hatch Smith, Jr. Mr. Smith notified the board recently as to his plans to transition from the administration of the hospital.
“Llano Regional Hospital is well positioned for a bright future, and we look forward to bringing in new talent who shares our commitment to locally governed, locally accountable healthcare,” said Pat McDowell, president, Llano County Hospital Authority. “We wish Hatch all the best in his new role.”
The hospital and Llano County Hospital Authority are working with the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH) on a national search for an interim CEO and a longer-term search for a permanent CEO and are confident an individual will be in place soon who understands rural healthcare’s challenges and opportunities and shares the vision for a thriving local healthcare system.
Llano Regional Hospital is operational, with independent governance established as of April 1. Rob Hardy, Charles Miller, and David Willmann, members of the board of directors of the hospital, are overseeing daily operations until an interim CEO is secured.
The hospital emergency department is fully staffed and accessible 24/7 with Dr. Lewis Westerfield serving as medical director. In addition, inpatient and post-hospitalization swing bed services are available as are outpatient lab and radiology/imaging services, including mammography.
Outpatient clinic services will be available soon, pending completion of compliance and due diligence requirements for staffing. Once medical staff are appropriately credentialed, the clinic will resume primary care services.
“Our number one goal is establishing Llano Regional Hospital as the preeminent source of care for Llano and surrounding communities for years to come,” said David Willmann, president, board of directors, Llano Regional Hospital. “Accomplishing that vision is a team effort, and we are assembling a terrific team who shares that vision. We appreciate everyone from the city and county of Llano to the clinical and operations staff and philanthropic donors who are working together to build a thriving healthcare system that cares for our community.”
