John J. Singerling III, Palmetto Health’s chief operating officer, has been promoted to president.
The appointment sets Singerling up to succeed chief executive Charles D. Beaman Jr. when Beaman decides to retire, an expert said.
Palmetto Health is the region’s largest employer.
In his new role, Singerling will be responsible for the oversight and operation of Palmetto Health’s three hospitals—Palmetto Health Baptist, Richland and Parkridge—and other corporate duties, including marketing and human resources.
Singerling will report directly to Beaman.
“John not only is well-trained academically and has the right skill sets for success, but also has the experience, personality and leadership skills that characterize a health system leader,” Beaman said in a statement.
Stan Hickson was named interim executive vice president and chief operating officer. A Sumter native, Hickson has been responsible for overseeing the heart and children’s hospitals, among other duties.
The board of directors unanimously endorsed Beaman’s decision, the statement said.
Singerling began his hospital career in 1996 as an administrative resident with Baptist Healthcare System of South Carolina and was promoted to a corporate position in strategic planning at the time Palmetto Health was being formed. He moved to Palmetto Health Richland in 1999 as vice president of operations and in 2006 was named executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Lynn Bailey, a longtime Columbia-based health care consultant, called Singerling “very good,” but questioned the board’s decision to hire from within.
“He’s a very bright and smart young executive, but all he has ever known is Baptist and Palmetto Health,” she said. “I would hope that since this merger is 10, 11 years old and health care reform is here that Palmetto Health would have looked for some dynamic leadership from outside their system. But it’s safe.”
Singerling earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., and a master’s degree in health administration from USC. He and his wife, Sally, a family nurse practitioner, have two daughters, Ellie and Mia.
