New CEO takes charge at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare in Columbus after nationwide search

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare has announced a new CEO for the Columbus hospital, effective immediately.

Robert Parker, former CEO of Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (LCRH), is the new leader at St. Francis, the hospital announced Monday.

Parker replaced former CEO Melody Trimble, who held the position since February 2020 and left in September 2024 to move closer to family and pursue other career opportunities, according to Grant Farrimond, director of marketing and communications at St. Francis-Emory.

Trimble has been the transitional chief executive officer consultant for Warbird Healthcare Advisors in Atlanta since November, according to her LinkedIn account.

“It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to join an extraordinarily talented team of physicians, clinicians and support staff at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare,” Parker says in the news release. “Columbus and the surrounding communities are simply wonderful, and together we look forward to carrying on the incredible work this hospital is already doing, improving the health of those we serve.”

Parker has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry and is credited with recruiting more than 30 medical professionals and advancing projects, including the introduction of cutting-edge medical technology and facility renovations, the news release says.

Asked how many candidates were considered for the CEO position, Farrimond told the Ledger-Enquirer in an email, “It was an extensive nationwide search, including both regional and national candidates.”