CEO of Whidbey General Hospital to step down

Published 1:35 pm Friday, September 26, 2008

Scott Rhine, administrator and CEO of Whidbey General Hospital, said Thursday he will retire next March.

Rhine has been in the post for 10 years. In a letter to the hospital’s board on Sept. 25, he said his favorite metaphor applies: “When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies to the point position.”

“Our hospital and medical staff leadership is stronger, our financial position is stronger, our hospital foundation is stronger,” he said.

Hospital spokeswoman Trish Rose said that under Rhine the hospital moved to a “critical access” designation and is in a better financial position than it has ever been.

“He has worked diligently to ensure Whidbey Island residents have access to healthcare providers and that the hospital is keeping current with new technologies,” she said.

Rhine said he and his wife plan to stay in the community, and that he eventually will pursue a new career.