Gateway Medical Center recently announced the appointment of Tim Puthoff as interim chief executive officer effective April 19. Puthoff takes the reins from Aaron Hazzard, who has served as interim CEO since January, when three-year CEO Mike Mullins was called to active duty in Afghanistan.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the dedicated employees and medical staff at Gateway Medical Center,” Puthoff says. “Together, we’ll build on prior accomplishments to help bring future successes. I look forward to being an integral part of the Clarksville community.”

Puthoff holds a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Central Florida, and brings more than 20 years of health care and management experience to Gateway Medical Center. Most recently, he served as interim CEO for Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska, and has been CEO at facilities in Alabama and Tennessee. He also served as a divisional Vice President of Operations for Community Health Systems in Franklin, Tennessee, responsible for oversight and management of 11 facilities in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

“We are pleased to welcome Tim to Gateway Medical Center,” says Anne Clark, chairman of Gateway Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. “We are fortunate to have such an experienced health care executive joining us to work with our boards, physicians and employees to build on the hospital’s positive momentum.”

In addition to his strong background in hospital management, Puthoff brings experience in business development and physician relations. Puthoff and his wife have two daughters.