Memorial Hospital and Manor’s search for a new CEO is progressing on target, according to Authority Chair Glennie Bench.

The Authority has engaged the firm of Witt Kieffer, specialists in health care recruiting, to conduct the search.

Bench said the team came to Bainbridge last Tuesday and Wednesday to visit Bainbridge and get a feel for the hospital and the community, in order to best determine the needs.

They met with the board, medical staff members, hospital staff, Decatur County Commissioners and City of Bainbridge government officials.

They toured the hospital and evaluated the needs.

“The next step is for them to put together a job description that will capture our thoughts and what we need,” said Bench.

Applicants will be screened and the first round interviewed. Once the field is narrowed, information on the three finalists will be made public and input gleaned from stakeholders in the community.

Other recruiting teams were considered, some of whom conduct searches for other industries as well as healthcare. The Authority interviewed two groups that specialize solely in healthcare. Bench said they were both good companies, but they chose Witt Kieffer as they felt more comfortable working with them.