October 23, 2019 653 PM
Robert Rice resigned from his District 1 director position at the Big Bend Regional Hospital District during last Thursday’s evening meeting in Presidio.
Board chairman Esther Howard told attendees that Rice is resigning because he will be “working out of the area.” Howard said, “He’s going to be greatly missed by us, and we’re hoping we can have him stay on as a consultant. He’s been a great asset to the hospital district.”
Later in the meeting, the board did vote to keep Rice on as a health consultant. Executive Director Jacqueline McCracken requested Rice’s help, since the indigent care program is transitioning to more screenings, hoping to catch illnesses earlier in the indigent population. “He also helps with the surgery referrals and colonoscopies and prescription drugs,” McCracken said.
The District 1 position is vacant and will be advertised. To qualify, a person must be a registered voter, reside within the boundaries of Presidio County, District 1, and complete an application. Rice represented the Presidio area. The term to be filled will begin with approval by the Board of Directors and will continue through May 2020.
Though the board lost a director, it also swore in a new director for District 3 that evening. Greg Henington took the oath and filled a vacant unexpired term that will also be up for election in May 2020. Henington represents Terlingua.
One last personnel change was announced during the meeting. Howard said that the board’s long time attorney Greg Hudson had sent a letter informing the board that he will be retiring. “The hospital district board will be seeking a new attorney to represent us,” Howard told fellow board members. Hudson will provide one last training for new board members before he departs the role.
