Don Halliwill

| Chris Winston

chris.winston@roanoke.com, 381-1678

One New River Valley hospital administrator is on the way out and another is coming in, the region's two major health care providers announced this week.

Don Halliwill, who has served as chief executive of Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, was appointed vice president for finance for Carilion Clinic's hospital division.

In his new role, Halliwill will be responsible for Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and five community hospitals.

"As a lifelong resident of our area, I understand the importance of the role that Carilion Clinic plays in our personal health, as well as the health of our regional economies," Halliwill said in a news release.

"As such, I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity and to be part of the team that works to respond to the needs of our patients and communities in a safe and efficient manner."

As Carilion searches for a new CEO, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations Melina Perdue will serve as interim administrator.

Meanwhile, HCA announced a new CEO for Pulaski Community Hospital.

Mark Nichols, who has been serving as CEO for Coliseum Northside Hospital in Macon, Ga., began in the position in January.

"I am excited to join the team at Pulaski Community Hospital as well as the Pulaski community," Nichols said in a news release.

Nichols joins PCH, which has 147 beds, with 19 years of service in a number of leadership roles with HCA.

"Mark brings with him outstanding depth and breadth of health care leadership and management," Victor Giovanetti, president of HCA Southwest Virginia, said in the release.

"Mark is very civic minded and looks forward to being an active member of the Pulaski community."