SCRMC Names Interim CEO

Health System Recruiting Permanent President & CEO

On February 24, 2023, South Central Regional Medical Center’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Higginbotham, announced his retirement after 34 years of service to the organization. His effective date of retirement is scheduled for May 24, 2023.

W. Mark Horne, MD
Chief Medical Officer
SCRMC

The Board of Trustees, working with the recruiting firm WittKeifer, has been diligently seeking a replacement.  On Friday, April 21 and Monday, April 24, the Board interviewed a panel of 6 potential candidates.  This panel of candidates will be narrowed for on-site candidate visits in early to mid-May with a decision likely before the end of May.

As this process progresses, it was determined that an interim CEO is necessary to bridge the time period from Higginbotham’s departure to the arrival of the new CEO.  South Central is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has named Dr. Mark Horne as the Interim CEO.  While he will continue his medical practice, he will modify his clinic hours to allow him to meet the CEO responsibilities.

Dr. Horne is a Laurel native who was born at South Central Regional Medical Center. He is a US Army Veteran, who served in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq, and was honorably discharged as a Captain and earned a bronze star during his service.  He is married to his wife Danita and has three children.  Dr. Horne has been active in the Mississippi State Medical Association and many other state and local medical and charitable organizations.  He is currently an internist on the SCRMC medical staff and is the Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Horne will begin transitioning into the role of Interim CEO on May 1, 2023.  He will take full responsibility for the role no later than Monday, May 22.  Higginbotham will remain in the advisory capacity until the conclusion of May 23, 2023.