Keith Petersen, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer for four years, is retiring from his position on September 3, 2013. With more than 47years of healthcare experience, Petersen was first named Interim CEO of Phoebe Sumter on July 1, 2009, two years after a tornado destroyed what was then known as Sumter Regional Hospital. In November 2009, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new hospital and medical complex, Petersen was named permanent CEO.

Joel Wernick, president and CEO of Phoebe Putney Health System said of Petersen, “On behalf of the Phoebe family, we wish him the very best in retirement and thank him for helping make Phoebe Sumter Medical Center one of the finest, if not the finest small hospital in the country. His hard work and dedication, not just to Phoebe but to the entire community, will be sorely missed.”

Before guiding Phoebe Sumter, Petersen successfully led Phoebe Worth, in Sylvester, and the Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center in Cuthbert.

“We are thankful for the leadership Keith has provided the organization for the past 16years,” said Tim Trottier, senior vice president, Regional Operations, Phoebe Putney Health System. Trottieradds,“As we continue to meet thecommunity’shealthcare needs in and around Americus, we are confident that the outstanding medical staff, board members and Phoebe family members in place at Phoebe Sumter, will continue to grow and succeed in our goal of providing world-class healthcare with hometown commitment to the region.”