Hilkert completes time as Governing Board Chair; Harrington steps into role

Aug. 20, 2024 -- Tom Hilkert's six-year term as Chair of the Reid Health Governing Board has been anything but quiet. During that time, Reid has:

• Acquired the majority of the assets of Fayette Regional Health System and assumed operations there
• Navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and its ripple effects that are still being felt today
• Opened new facilities in Winchester and Brookville
• Began construction on a new multimillion dollar campus in Connersville to help meet the health needs of Reid's service area

Any one of these events by itself would be a significant moment in Reid's history. But put them together, and you have one of the most important periods in the health system's nearly 120 years.

"It has been both a challenging and rewarding experience," Hilkert said. "Challenging because it takes time and effort to understand the impact of the many complex and ever-changing developments and demands in healthcare. Rewarding because the board works productively with our extremely competent CEO and management team as well as our dedicated and talented physician leaders.

"I'm proud to have been part of helping to overcome the many obstacles associated with the growth and transformation from a hospital to becoming a fully integrated healthcare system that leads our communities to well-being, one person at a time."

Hilkert recently stepped aside as Governing Board Chair, making way for Mark Harrington to assume the position.

"As my wife and I advance in age, we increasingly recognize the need to spend more of our valuable time with family and to travel more while we are in good health," Hilkert said. "I'm confident of Mark's ability and commitment. He is well-qualified and prepared to step into this role."

Harrington has served on the Governing Board for 16 years after being invited to join by a fellow elder at his church, former Governing Board Chair Jon Ford. Harrington retired last year after 32 years as the Chief Financial Officer of Vandor Group, opening the door for an extended role on the Governing Board.

"It's an honor to be asked to accept the role of Chairman of the Board of Reid Health," Harrington said. "Now in retirement, I have more time and flexibility to expand my role in giving back to the community where we raised our family.

"Tom has done a great job leading Reid and has left big shoes to fill as did Jon Ford who proceeded him."

Harrington grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He moved to Richmond in 1989 where he and his wife, Kari, raised their seven children.

"During my term, I hope to continue navigating the ever-changing healthcare landscape and keep Reid Health as a top-notch independent healthcare system for Richmond and the surrounding communities," he said.

The Reid Health Governing Board Chair is nominated by members of the board and its Leadership Development Committee and then approved by the Governing Board. Each chair serves a three-year term with no limit on how many terms a person may remain in the role.

"It has been a pleasure working with Tom over his more than 20 years on the Governing Board," said Craig Kinyon, Reid Health President/CEO. "I'm grateful for his leadership and guidance during a period of tremendous growth and change.

"As our new Chair, Mark is assuming the role at an exciting time for Reid, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in providing high-quality care to the communities we serve."