<p>After just 13 months on the job, the president and chief executive officer of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital was abruptly fired Monday morning for reasons that have not been disclosed.</p>
After just 13 months on the job, the president and chief executive officer of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital was abruptly fired Monday morning for reasons that have not been disclosed.
In a press release emailed to the Gazette, hospital board chairman Tim Sweet said Joe Woodin was “stepping down” from his role and that former president and chief executive officer Timothy Walsh would return as interim CEO. The release gave no reason or time frame for Mr. Woodin’s departure.
But speaking to the Gazette by telephone, Mr. Woodin said he had been fired.
“I just got summarily fired at 8 a.m. with no notice and no discussion of anything I’ve done wrong — by the board chairman [Timothy Sweet],” Mr. Woodin said.
Reached by phone, Mr. Sweet had little comment. “He is stepping down from his position. I would really like to stay with the press release,” Mr. Sweet said. He did say that Mr. Woodin’s departure is the result of a board decision although he could not say if there had been a vote.
“It was a decision of the board — I would rather not get into the process right now,” he said.
The press release, signed by Mr. Sweet, noted that Mr. Woodin had “brought many fresh ideas and changes” to the hospital since his arrival. “We extend our thanks to Joe for his dedication and hard work in our behalf and wish him fair winds and all the best wherever his next steps may lead,” the press release said.
But Mr. Woodin, a longtime rural hospital executive from Vermont who was hired last year to take the helm at the Island’s only hospital after a nationwide search, did not mince words.
He said he was asked without warning on Monday by Mr. Sweet to sign an agreement saying he was resigning for personal reasons — and he refused.
“I’m not resigning. I love this job. I just bought a house,” Mr. Woodin said.
“This is the worst of Island politics and this is between the board chairman and me,” Mr. Woodin said. “Apparently I have crossed him, although I have always respected him. I was speechless.”
Mr. Woodin said he was given no reason for the firing. “There have been no performance reviews given to me, no documentation, no phone calls, not a single concern over my performance,” he said.
Mr. Woodin, 56, was named in February 2016 to replace Mr. Walsh, who was retiring after 16 years. He started work last May.
Mr. Woodin came to Martha’s Vineyard from Gifford Medical Center, a critical access hospital in rural central Vermont, where he had been president and CEO since 2000. He also formerly held key positions at Fletcher Allen Health Care, formerly the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont.
Trained as an industrial engineer, he began work in business and manufacturing but early on in his career moved into hospital administration in Vermont, spurred initially by his work in a homeless shelter in Burlington, Vt.
At the time of his appointment, Mr. Sweet, the board chairman who also led the search committee, said Mr. Woodin almost immediately rose to the top of the candidate list. “He quite frankly seemed to be custom made for exactly what we were looking for,” he said.
For his part, Mr. Woodin said at the time his decision to take the Vineyard job was spurred by personal events.
“In life a lot of the things we do are structured and planned and we think through them . . . . and sometimes things happen in life that are dramatically different,” he said. “For me it was the loss of my wife and high school sweetheart that was sort of the calling that I could have easily ignored. But I decided I should probably have the courage.”
Mr. Woodin came under criticism after he announced in February that the hospital would be closing an elderly independent living unit at Windemere because of low residency and deep financial losses.
Last month, Mr. Woodin announced that the hospital had reached agreement with Martha’s Vineyard Community Services to convert a building known as the Red House to a crisis stabilization unit. The plan had been negotiated by Mr. Walsh, but Mr. Woodin put it on temporary hold saying he needed to find suitable space to house the billing department that would be displaced.
In the press release, Mr. Sweet credited Mr. Woodin with conducting a comprehensive facility study outlining the present and future needs on the hospital campus.
“Joe’s training as an industrial engineer came to the fore as he facilitated a collaborative review of the old 1972 hospital building and all the departments delivering care within,” the press release said. “His assessment showed that as MVH has continued to grow and evolve since the opening of our new hospital in 2007, there remains more work to be done to insure that the delivery of primary and specialty care will complement the environment and patient centered care that our new hospital has brought to our acute care. We are committed to continue the important work that Joe began to plan for our future and be the best we can be.”
On Monday Mr. Woodin said: “I am being tossed out. My computer has been shut off and I’m packing up. This is unbelievably unseemly.”
Comments
Sounds like there needs to be
Paulli D EdgartownSounds like there needs to be a board shake up if what Mr Woodin is saying. You just don't come in and ask someone to sign a document and resign. If this is the truth, I will not give any more money to the hospital until a full investigation is completed and that the board is replaced.
There is always reason
LizaThere is always reason although, it will be one more thing swept under the rug at MVH and we will never get the truth.
Why bother saying something
Off island interested party SwitzerlandWhy bother saying something like this?
It's defeatist! Shows how messed up everything except taxation on the island.
You just said the right.
Neney Oak bluffsYou just said the right.
This is a community issue
Fred island101 VhThis is a community issue there should also be limitations on how long you can be on the board the hospital board consists of four or five people that of been on the board 20+ years I say it's time for them to go The same people on this board did the exact same thing to a hospice worker it was bad then and it's bad now
If this happens in a small
Margaret Vero BeachIf this happens in a small community it happens everywhere. Imagine what is going on in Washington DC.
Whatever happened to the truth, honor, respect and doing what's right?
I have grown up on this rock
Disappointed Islander West Tisbury, MaI have grown up on this rock and have always felt that it gets caught in "the old Boy " network, whether its town politics, or in this case a hospital board.The victim is usually the Island population. There should be a term of service instated for each board member. If that were the case , the board would grow as well as the Hospital administration and everything would evolve evenly.As it stands , one person is able to execute policy without consulting the full board. THAT is outrageous and should be put to an end immediately!The action to fire Joe Woodin is tyrannical and was done completely out of step with the norms of right and wrong.At last the hospital had a fighting chance to right itself and sail a straight course under Joe's mindful restructure. Of course, as with any change, there will be collateral damage and anger generated, but Blindsiding the CEO is not the way to rectify these problems.Tim Sweet should take a long look at how he has handled this. Maybe this whole event will breed an interest to UPDATE the governing structure of the hospital, which in this case could begin with the replacement of the Chair, due to his bold and unwarranted actions.
We deserve a better answer
Bob EdgartownWe deserve a better answer from Mr. Sweet after all the money we gave to make this new hospital a reality. If we do not get a better answer it maybe time to say good bye to Tim as well.
Well said
The truthWell said
I will second that
MGT West tisburyI will second that
Yep
Neney Oak bluffsYep
Mr. Sweet, please explain
Deanna EdgartownMr. Sweet, please explain your decision. It appears that if a vote of a full board was taken, it should have been posted. Public ally. Following Roberts Rules.
This is terrible. Island
KGThis is terrible. Island politics at its best yet again. What a disgrace for the hospital and the community at large. You will be missed, Joe.
What? Something doesn't smell
Alison OBWhat? Something doesn't smell rite!
Agreed
Neney Oak bluffsAgreed
This is absolutely ludicrous.
Tisbury Resident TisburyThis is absolutely ludicrous. Joe was the first CEO to actually do his job well and was making real change at the hospital by demanding employee excellence and accountability. The fact is the hard working employees of MVH have Joe's back, there will be hell to pay for the board before they let Joe walk and go back to the old status quo. Time to break up the old boys' club on the board!
Exactly. Why not get rid of
Ken TisburyExactly. Why not get rid of the dead weight instead. I am surprised that Partners supports what appears to be a return to inept management enabled in part by nepotistic hiring. Merit and productivity don't seem to be high priorities. No more donations from us.
Walking the halls at the
Fed up VHWalking the halls at the hospital today, the only ones happy about the termination of the CEO are those that arrive late, leave early and watch others carry the bulk of the work load. Funny how those that work hard at not working are happy to see someone that expects them to do the job they are hired to do, go.
Time for the Gazette, if they
MHTime for the Gazette, if they have the stones, to dig deeper.
Yep.
Islander TooYep.
The decision to close Windemere was inept, but somehow I doubt that that is the reason for this outrageous turn of events.
I bet they do dig deeper. The
Ken M Edgartown Ma. & Sanibel Fl.I bet they do dig deeper. The old Gazette would not have had the stones to publish your comment nor the other 76 comments.
Wow! Hopefully there is a
MR VHWow! Hopefully there is a full investigation.
Without full knowledge of the
Ann Floyd EdgartownWithout full knowledge of the reason(s) behind this situation, I can only say that I do believe the Board of the hospital, which is also the Board of Windermere (a conflict of interest in my mind) is in need of serious restructuring. The morale at both institutions appears to be at an all time low.
Something smells fishy.
Bruce C. ETSomething smells fishy. Sounds like it's time to call Hammarlund or one of the other employment folks.
This is an outrage for our
Annemarie Reid, RN Oak Bluffs, Ma.This is an outrage for our hospital family! Mr. Joseph Woodin is 100% committed and dedicated to our patients and staff as well as a wonderful member of our island community. Joe represents hope for our hospital's future and has made many improvements in his first year, incorporating a holistic approach toward a healthy working environment and maintaining an "open door" style of communication. This is truly sad news.
There are people that work at
PatriciaThere are people that work at the hospital that have very differing opinions. Not all of us have been treated so well. What goes around, comes around.
Perhaps you'd like to comment
K Oak BluffsPerhaps you'd like to comment more specifically on the unjust treatment you received? May shed some light on the truth of the matter from a differing perspective.
A question: was the board
Fish CrowA question: was the board following advice for this abrupt "procedure" from an independent outside counsel, or from the lawyers on the board?
Remember Ed Hannify? After his "hospital treatment," he walked with a fairly substantial settlement.
Totally appalled. Never met
Frequent FlyerTotally appalled. Never met Mr. Woodin but heard many nice accolades about him. Yes, that previous administrator of decades gone by is sadly remembered. Time for the board to have term limits! Unfortunately, all the big donors may no longer even be around to support the MV Hospital, and would be astounded to learn that COMMUNITY was taken out of the name once the ink dried in April 2010. This is now corporate America and not the little community hospital that struggled to truly assist the long time families of the community. There is a bit of nepotism that is apparent but then again with different surnames no one would even know the difference, after all ethics does not come into play according to their rules and regs. These comments are already reflecting the diminishing donor support and can only get worse. Will watch this closely from afar.
Joe Woodin was a credit to
Lisa Reagan Oak BluffsJoe Woodin was a credit to Martha's Vineyard Hospital. In my opinion, he is hardworking, forward-thinking, honest and fair. What a mistake to let him go.
Couldn't happen to a more
Mary off islandCouldn't happen to a more well deserving guy. He has only self interest at heart. Touche' to the BOT and Mass General for seeing this early on.
Can you amplify on the
Islander TooCan you amplify on the background you cite?
what do you base that comment
lee West Tisburywhat do you base that comment on? How long did you work for him? ever? Obviously not recently...not MGH, Partners owns our hospital.
I think you have the wrong
West Chop West ChopI think you have the wrong hospital scenario.
It seems as though you are
K Oak BluffsIt seems as though you are misinformed on this situation as it is Partners that runs our hospital, not MGH. What is your background and experience with Mr. Woodin that qualifies your statement regarding his "self interest at heart?" Also, as your location states that you are off island, it seems you might not be the most viable source of information on what our island community has been experiencing. Have yo experienced Mr. Woodin's self interest off island? I'm what capacity?
partners does not own the
all us EDGARTOWNpartners does not own the hospital
I smell a Breach of Contract
The Nose Vineyard HavenI smell a Breach of Contract suit coming.
Thank you, Mr. Woodin, for
Lisa Reagan Oak BluffsThank you, Mr. Woodin, for being hard working, forward-thinking, honest and fair. Thank you for choosing to move to Martha's Vineyard, accept the job as CEO, purchase a home and become part of our community. What a shame to hear this news.
Yes! Agreed, thank you.
West Chop West ChopYes! Agreed, thank you.
The hospital has been run as
Stewart ChilmarkThe hospital has been run as an all "men's club" for many years. The new spirit and skills of Joe were inevitably going to collide with the Board power structure. The hospital serves the community, donors, and its employees. All deserve a full understanding of the differences that lead to this unseemly firing. It may be time for a Board that serves a new generation of islanders and acts more like servants of the island than an ingrained power structure. Tim .. find another job.
I think we need to let the "
Rob Oak BluffsI think we need to let the " shock value " of this breaking news to subside and allow the story to fully develop . The newspaper media has a duty to provide readers with information as it becomes available . It would appear that there is more information to come . In the meantime it is incumbent upon us to avoid making assumptions .
Through my sources, this
Off Island friend of ET resident SwitzerlandThrough my sources, this story sounds like more small town politics
unfortunately not only in the hospital, the police department, & schools.
Many things are not right on the island.
A nightmare!
Seeing Joe speaking to a
TM VHSeeing Joe speaking to a woman in a wheelchair asking how she's feeling, and listening to her comments was refreshing. Seeing him having conversations with people as I walked by in the hallways, trying to get a feel for how they are doing, and how to be a better facilitator in making the hospital better for the patients and staff. This is something which I believe never went on previous to his coming here, and I suspect the same "old guard" will bring back those old guard ways. How unfortunate, just when some saw a welcome change this happens. The only ones welcoming this are that old guard, and those at the hospital who choose not to put patients first. He will be missed.
Been in business a long time.
Ben off IslandBeen in business a long time. When one side talks, other doesn't, bet dollars on the quiet side having all the aces in the deck. No doubt about it; board found dirt on the dude. Can't say, won't say per legal restraint
I've only been working at MVH
Denise EdgartownI've only been working at MVH for two years,from what I saw he has to the best CEO!!!
You will be missed:-(
Since Mr. Woodin came to MVH,
One step forward, two steps back Martha's VineyardSince Mr. Woodin came to MVH, there was a new energy, encouraging staff to "think outside of the box". Mr. Woodin was constantly asking everyone from the janitor to the physicians, "how do we do it better".
MVH has large number of employees that are near retirement and no plan in place for when the flood of retirements occur. Mr. Woodin was looking for ways to recruit personnel now and be prepared. Good luck hiring new staff that can find housing!
Mr. Woodin worked diligently at bringing new services to the hospital, like the Nuclear Stress testing that is done here every monday. Saving patients and family members the expense of going to Boston to have these test done.
Mr. Woodin has vision and was looking in the distance anticipating the needs of the community and the hospital.
Mr. Woodin had all contracts under review, because those that were in place heavily favored the vendor and not the Community or the hospital. Mr. Woodin was tasking employees to demand new contracts that protected the community and the hospital.
Mr. Woodin was letting all of us know that we needed to elevate our game and a lot of people were on board. Sadly, those that for years , have gotten by because of their relationship to a board member, or their family member is a big hospital donor...... win again!
He was also trying to help the people of island have more cost effective care options.
So if you go to the hospital and you are not happy with the services you receive, be sure to thank your Hospital Board of Trustees!
Dr. Guiney brought stress
By the SeaDr. Guiney brought stress testing to MVH
Maybe the board is incapable
MarieMaybe the board is incapable of leading the hospital. If they fired him after 13 months then they are the incompetent ones
MVH was a stellar hospital
WTone EDGMVH was a stellar hospital before he got here and that trend will continue without him I'm sure. I can say that the mood there today was stunned jubilation which should give you a hint about the current morale that he left in his wake. Lets wait to pass judgement on the board until the full story is disclosed.
Not sure where you work in
Let'sBeClearNot sure where you work in the hospital. Where I was, people were shocked, and pissed. It has to be something pretty egregious to fire someone after 13 months, and Joe was there all day. If he did something that bad, wouldn't they have escorted him off the property? The disruption a change like this will cause, in the midst of the transition to a nightmare computer system, makes it incomprehensible to me. They had better have a really, really good reason. Time will tell. I thought he did a great job, under very difficult circumstances.
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