Tucker retires as Marion Regional Healthcare president, CEO

MARION — Harold E. “Gene” Tucker, has retired as president and CEO of Marion Regional Healthcare System after nearly 18 years of service.

Tucker, who joined the Marion County Hospital District as chief financial officer in 1992, served as CEO from 2005 until his retirement Sept. 30.

A graduate of Elon (N.C.) College with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and accounting, Tucker is a former Blue Cross Blue Shield auditor and former chief financial officer at both Alamance County Hospital in Burlington, N.C., and Nalle Clinic in Charlotte.

His professional career was preceded by a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, a tour for which he enlisted and one that in addition to his education, “helped prepare me for the future,” he said.

As Tucker recounted his 40 years in the medical field, he said technology is the most significant change factor.

“The continual upgrades in medical equipment, coupled with the ability to capture and access data through computers, has been what I consider the most significant factor in improved medical care to patients both on a national and local level,” he said in a press release issued Friday by Marion Regional Healthcare System.

“Speaking strictly from the standpoint of Marion Regional Healthcare System, the consolidation of the former Marion and Mullins Hospitals on a new campus, and in a very modern facility, is certainly the most significant local improvement during my tenure. This move brought both state-of-the art equipment and a highly credentialed medical staff to our communities. It is what has allowed us to remain competitive.”

Tucker is credited with such developments as A Woman’s Place, the state-of-the art Wellness Center, the Hospitalist Program, and the recent opening of the new Aynor Medical Center, just to name a few.

“Today, Marion Regional Healthcare System must position its operations in alignment with a larger healthcare delivery system to take advantage of the many changes being considered in healthcare reform debate and subsequent laws,” he said. “The support of a loyal, dedicated and very competent administrative staff as well as the support of the board, medical staff and the local community, has allowed me to have a most fulfilling career. I have had the type of career most people dream about.”

Tucker is volunteering at the Helping Hands Free Medical Clinic and has committed to assist the Marion County Council on Aging with its desire to construct a new building. He and his wife of more than 43 years, Betsy, have three grown daughters and 10 grandchildren.

“Marion is home. This is by far the greatest community anyone could ever hope for, and I feel very privileged to be a part of it,” he said.