One of the two finalist candidates for the position of CEO at Haywood Regional Medical Center faced some tough questions at a reception held for him Friday night (Aug. 8) at Maggie Valley Country Club.

Mike Poore is currently the administrator of Douglas and Paulding hospitals, located near Atlanta. He has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn in health administration and an MBA from the University of South Alabama.

Poore took on his first role as administrator of a rural hospital when he was only 22. He’s no stranger to challenges, and he’s been credited with helping turn around one of the hospitals he currently oversees.

Poore said he and wife Penny want to raise their three sons in the North Carolina mountains.

During the question-and-answer session, Poore was asked his thoughts on the hospital staying independent or being bought out by another entity.

“It’s difficult for any free-standing hospital to be completely independent,” he admitted, but added that doing a complete buyout causes the hospital to lose community focus. He advocated for local control so HRMC doesn’t become a “band-aid station” on the way to larger facilities.

“Ninety-five percent of community needs can be met right here in the community with the assets you have,” he said.

Poore said he feels strongly about teamwork among staff.

“Everybody has to be on the same page,” he said. He said physicians at his hospitals have both his home and cell phone numbers.

“I work with these people every day, and they’re friends of mine,” he said.

At the same time, Poore said it’s important not to micro-manage the staff, instead having enough confidence in them to allow them to make their own decisions.

His motto: “Knock down the barriers, then get out of the way to let them do their job.”

Poore also addressed nurse recruitment. Apparently, his hospitals have a waiting list of RN’s who want to work there.

The key is to “make this the employer of choice,” he said. “There are plenty of nurses driving by our hospital and going to Mission.”

To comment on this story email Julia Merchant at julia@smokymountainnews.com.