St. Luke’s Hospital recently named David Pope to serve as interim chief executive officer while the board of trustees begins a nationwide search to find a permanent replacement for former CEO Jim Bross, who left recently to pursue other opportunities.

“The board expresses sincere gratitude for Jim’s leadership and dedication to the healthcare field and the Polk County community,” said Jean Shumway, board chair. “During his tenure with St. Luke’s Hospital, Jim cared deeply for our organization and the people of our region.

“The board, executive team  and our partner, Atrium Health, continue to focus on the delivery of high-quality healthcare, close to home.”

As a national search for a new CEO is conducted, Pope will serve as interim CEO, leading the hospital through several initiatives, including service enhancements and the transition to Epic Care Connect for an effective electronic medical record, hospital representatives said.

Prior to joining St. Luke’s Hospital, Pope served as vice president of clinical services, which included surgical services, specialty services, long term care and organizational development divisions. Since joining Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge in 2009, Pope has served as assistant vice president of administration and associate counsel. 

In addition to responsibility for many clinical areas, Pope championed diversity and inclusion, patient experience, LEAN and cultural transformation initiatives at Atrium Health-Blue Ridge, representatives said.

Before joining Atrium Health, Pope served as a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines.

He holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Public Health and a Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. 

“I look forward to working with the great team at St. Luke’s Hospital,” Pope said. “St. Luke’s quality measures and patient experience scores are impressive. It’s evident that St. Luke’s provides exceptional care. St. Luke’s provides Polk County residents access to high-quality medical services close to home.  I am honored to serve our patients, employees, medical staff and community in this role.”

– Submitted by St. Luke’s Hospital