In a leadership change, three top administrators at Fairfield Memorial Hospital were terminated Tuesday afternoon. Those dismissed include Chief Nursing Officer Rachel (McCulley) Ewing, Chief Financial Officer William Giles, and Human Resources Director Lynde Hickox.
A source confirmed to WFIW News that Hickox was notified of her dismissal by phone while Ewing and Giles were escorted out of the hospital early Tuesday afternoon.
The leadership overhaul extended beyond staff, as Fairfield Memorial Hospital Association board member Joey Hungerford also submitted his resignation in a related development.
On Wednesday afternoon, the hospital issued a brief statement addressing the changes but did not provide names or specific reasons for the dismissals. The statement read:
“Fairfield Memorial Hospital is making changes to its leadership team as part of a strategic vision to support the future of the hospital and the community it serves. Interim leadership will be in place while a search is underway to fill the vacated roles. We are optimistic about the direction of the hospital and remain committed to providing high-quality care close to home for our patients.”
An internal memo sent to hospital employees on Tuesday indicated that leadership support will be provided by Deaconess, stating:
“Deaconess will be providing experienced leadership support while we conduct a thoughtful and thorough search to fill the vacated roles. During this time, we remain focused on maintaining stability and momentum across all departments.”
Lynde Hickox had served as the hospital’s Human Resources Director for the past four years.
Rachel Ewing, who formerly led Emergency Services, was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer and earned statewide recognition in October 2024 as one of the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s “40 Under 40 Nurse Leaders.” She holds a master’s degree in nursing.
William Giles, the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer, was an employee of Deaconess Hospital and was terminated by Deaconess corporate leadership. He joined Fairfield Memorial Hospital approximately three months after CEO Mike Cooper took the helm in July 2024.
Comments