Harold E. (Gene) Tucker Announces Retirement

MARION, SC – November 7, 2009 – Harold E. (Gene) Tucker, has retired as President and CEO of Marion Regional Healthcare System after nearly 18 years of service.

Tucker, who joined the Marion County Hospital District as Chief Financial Officer in 1992, served as the Chief Executive Officer from 2005 until his retirement on September 30.

A graduate of Elon College in Elon, North Carolina with a BA in Business Administration and Accounting, Tucker was well suited for a career in hospital administration.  The former Blue Cross Blue Shield Auditor and former Chief Financial Officer at both Alamance County Hospital in Burlington, North Carolina and Nalle Clinic in Charlotte, had already acquired 20 years of related experience prior to his arrival in the Pee Dee.

Known for his love of country and his commitment to his fellow man, his professional career was preceded by a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, a tour for which he enlisted and one that in addition to his education, “helped prepare me for the future,” he said.

As Tucker recounts his nearly 18 years at Marion Regional Healthcare System and total of 40 years in the medical field, he credits technology as the most significant change factor.
“The continual upgrades in medical equipment, coupled with the ability to capture and access data through computers, has been what I consider the most significant factor in improved medical care to patients both on a national and local level,” he said.

“Speaking strictly from the standpoint of Marion Regional Healthcare System, the consolidation of the former Marion and Mullins Hospitals on a new campus, and in a very modern facility, is certainly the most significant local improvement during my tenure.  This move brought both state-of-the art equipment and a highly credentialed medical staff to our communities.  It is what has allowed us to remain competitive.”

Tucker is much too modest.  He is also credited with such developments as A Woman’s Place, the state-of-the art Wellness Center, the Hospitalist Program, and the recent opening of the new Aynor Medical Center, just to name a few. 

The years have not been without challenge. “Pending healthcare reform and adherence to governmental regulations in a period of declining reimbursements for services is a major threat to rural hospitals. These issues coupled with local economic conditions, physician recruitment, and the availability of a highly skilled workforce are major challenges for all rural hospitals,” said Tucker.

“Today, Marion Regional Healthcare System must position its operations in alignment with a larger healthcare delivery system to take advantage of the many changes being considered in healthcare reform debate and subsequent laws,” he continued.

Despite the challenges, Gene Tucker has enjoyed his years at Marion Regional Healthcare System.  “The support of a loyal, dedicated and very competent administrative staff as well as the support of the board, medical staff and the local community, has allowed me to have a most fulfilling career. I have had the type of career most people dream about,” Tucker said in conclusion.

While many people see retirement as a way to ‘slow down’, Gene Tucker sees it as a way to divert his energy and serve his beloved Marion County in a variety of new ways.  With retirement only a couple of weeks behind him, he is already volunteering at the Helping Hands Free Medical Clinic and has committed to assist the Marion County Council on Aging with their desire to construct a new building. A former Rotarian and a Deacon of the Marion Presbyterian Church, Gene Tucker vows to remain a vital part of the Marion community.

 Retirement will allow Tucker and his wife of more than 43 years, Betsy, a little more time for things they both enjoy:  gardening, antiquing, and spending time with granddaughter, McKayla. While the Tuckers have three grown daughters and ten grandchildren most of whom live within 30 minutes of Marion, granddaughter McKayla thinks she is the ONLY grandchild,” said Tucker with a chuckle. Through the years, the two have become inseparable.  “She loves shopping and working in the garden, with me,” he said.

“Marion is home. This is by far the greatest community anyone could ever hope for, and I feel very privileged to be a part of it.” said Tucker.

Those who have been associated with Gene Tucker know the privilege is all theirs! Tucker was recently honored by his peers and colleagues with a dinner and roast. The overwhelming attendance attests to the impact he has had on so many individuals in so many ways.