Hospital CEO announces retirement at end of year

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After 19 years leading Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center, CEO Rob Cooper will retire at the end of the year, the hospital announced Friday.

Cooper cited health-related reasons for his decision to step down as the longest presently-serving hospital CEO in Iowa. His retirement will be effective Jan. 1, 2010.

"I am honored to have been able to spend such a significant portion of my career at MMSC," he said. "I know the hospital is well poised to move into the future and I will be there as much as possible to help make the transition proceed as easily as possible."

Cooper has helped MMSC make several improvements through the years including the opening of the Cardiovascular Catheterization Lab, the Medical Clinic and the Medical Office Building and ushering in waves of technology at the facility. MMSC has also been recognized on several occasions for providing some of the lowest cost health care in the state.

Bob Stahlin, chairman of the MMSC Board of Trustees, said Cooper helped the hospital through "a tremendous period of growth" and has improved health care in the community.

"Our board, along with physicians and employees, wish to thank Rob for his vision, commitment and dedication to MMSC, its affiliated clinics and to our community," Stahlin said.

Marshalltown City Administrator Dick Hierstein said Cooper has been a good leader for both the hospital and the community. He said his contributions to the Heart Center at the hospital is one of things that stands out to him as one of Cooper's accomplishments.

"I think there's been tremendous progress for the hospital under his leadership," Hierstein said. "He has led the hospital to be involved in a wide variety of community activities and improvements."

Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce President Ken Anderson said Cooper's leadership has led to a strong local health care system, which he called a vital component when attracting businesses and people to the community.

"You don't do that without strong leadership and Rob has certainly provided that strong leadership," Anderson said.

MMSC has formed a search committee for a new CEO and hopes to have Cooper's replacement named by Jan. 1, 2010. Cooper plans to provide consulting services to MMSC as needed.

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Contact Andrew Potter at 641-753-6611 or apotter@timesrepublican.com