Gateway Medical Center CEO Michael Mullins has received orders recalling him to active duty with the United States Navy. A Commander in the Medical Service Corps, Mullins has been selected to become Captain in 2010 and has served in the Reserves for over 25 years. He will be stationed in Afghanistan, although his exact assignment is not known at this time. Mullins reports for duty in January 2010.

Mullins is anticipated to be away from Medical Center for one year. Gateway’s Board of Directors has named Aaron Hazzard as interim CEO. Hazzard has more than 30 years of healthcare management experience within health systems, hospitals and surgery centers. He comes to Gateway from Easton, PA where he also was serving as interim CEO.

Board Chairman Bill Wyatt said, “While we will sorely miss Mike’s leadership, we salute his service to our country and the sacrifice he is making with his family and for our citizens. We wish him a safe tour of duty and look forward to his speedy return.”

Chief of Medical Staff Peter Silkowski added, “The medical staff is proud of Mr. Mullin's continued service to our nation, and we are 100 percent supportive of him and his family as he prepares for deployment. Our deployed soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen will benefit from his vast experience and leadership.”

Mullins said he believes the Medical Center has the right processes and people in place to move forward while he is away. “In our year and a half in the new location, there has been nothing but positive growth and improvements. The leadership is devoted and capable of taking Gateway to great heights, and will ensure a smooth transition. It is a privilege to be a part of its team that does so much for our community,” he said.

Mullins’ healthcare career spans 22 years in hospital administration. Before moving to Clarksville in May of 2006, he served as CEO for Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, Indiana. He holds a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University, San Antonio, TX and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas, El Paso.

Mullins also was activated in 2007 to serve in Al Taqquadum, Iraq.