Wanted: A transformational leader with exposure to challenges. Must have extremely strong interpersonal communication skills and a commitment to transparency. Responsibilities to include overseeing staff of 900-pus while helping hospital regain footing and turning over new leaf.

The job description for Haywood Regional Medical Center’s new CEO would read something like that, according to Martin Godwin with the Charlotte-based McAulay Firm, the first executive search firm to pitch its services to the hospital board.

Godwin explained what a search for a hospital CEO will entail to the board during a March 27 presentation.

He said a search should begin with intensive consultations with the hospital board, medical staff, leadership, county commissioners and the community as a whole. This would help shape the ideal candidate.

After a profile is established, the search firm would scour hundreds of potential applicants on a nation-wide basis. It’s likely the most desirable candidates won’t even be looking for a job, Godwin said, but may want a career change or challenge.

“It’s likely the person that’s going to be successful here will be from the area or have ties to the area, but we wouldn’t want to limit that,” he said.

The firm would narrow down candidates to 8-12 top applicants, then whittle down the field to the 3-5 best. Ideally, a CEO would be chosen within a 90-day window, said Godwin.

The hospital board will hear a presentation by another executive search firm Thursday (April 3). The board will make a choice at that time.