New CEO....4/9

Essent confirmed Mike Browder as the permanent CEO. He had been the interim top dog since November when Hud Connery stepped down (or was stepped on...!)

One could wonder if the long and hard search they made uncovered any other possibilities, but Browder had the advantage of being current in the corporation. Another thought is, most of those about, in the various companies are like Hud--products of HCA/Columbia--with very little difference in style.

Had a comment that I had filed away for future use that might put things in context. Remember Muskogee? Essent bid on it and withdrew when Hud was invited to a question-and-answer session?

Apparently, the new owners (Capella) waited a bit and then drug-tested all the employees...using hair. Hair is a record farther into the past...3-6 months...and 200 of the staff were terminated. I can imagine a new look here...bald nurses and techs! (Remember, scalp hair isn't the only source! Eyebrows might not grow back!) (This is uncomfirmed, but an interesting contrast. How much would it cost to test everyone at that level, anyway???)

The employment pool is larger there, and they're relying on agency personnel heavily. Same story, different company and town.