WellStar CEO fired by hospital board

By Janel Davis

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

WellStar Health System’s president and CEO Gregory Simone was fired by the system’s board on Thursday.

Board chairman and Marietta attorney Randall Bentley said the decision was a personnel matter and provided no information on the reason for Simone’s termination, which is effective immediately.

Earlier this week Bonnie Wilson, WellStar’s executive vice president and general counsel, received notice that her contract would not be renewed.

Bentley did not say if the terminations were related.

Jim Budzinski, WellStar’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, was appointed acting president and CEO. The board plans to conduct a national search for Simone’s replacement, Bentley said.

Simone has led the hospital system since 2007, replacing Robert Lipson who was killed in a 2006 motorcycle accident.

WellStar operates five hospitals in Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone, Windy Hill and Paulding.