Whidbey General Hospital’s board of commissioners hired a new CEO Monday to replace Tom Tomasino this spring.

Geri Forbes, one of the three candidates to be interviewed during an invite-only luncheon with community representatives, will take over as Whidbey General’s CEO position in mid-April.

Forbes touted the importance of transparency and openness during a community meeting last month.

Tomasino, who served as CEO of the hospital for more than five years, turned in his resignation notice last year, effective this October.

Rather than stay on board to work with Forbes as originally discussed by the hospital board, Tomasino will be exiting the hospital before Forbes takes over. The hospital spokesperson didn’t respond by press time to a request for the terms of Tomasino’s earlier-than-expected separation from Whidbey General.

Tomasino was receiving $261,000 per year in salary and benefits, according to the most recent information available from the state Department of Health.

“We thank Tom for his service to the district for the past five plus years,” the hospital said in a press release issued by Keith Mack, public relations liaison for Whidbey General.

“The public hospital district, and Whidbey Island, have benefitted greatly from Tom’s leadership, and we wish him all the best.”

Forbes is current CEO of Doctor’s Memorial Hospital in Perry, Fla. She chaired the Rural Health Council, was involved in the Florida Rural Health Association and chaired the Government Affairs Committee for the Florida Regional Hospital Association.

Forbes served on the Big Bend Rural Health board and the North Florida Area Agency on Aging board, as well as the Advisory Board of the North Florida Workforce Development, according to her resume.

“I think her accomplishments speak for herself,” said Anne Tarrant, president of board of directors for Whidbey General Hospital.

The contract being offered to Forbes is not yet finalized, and won’t be until the March board meeting, Tarrant said Tuesday.

Tarrant refused to discuss details of how the board reached its decision or share specifics of Forbes’ contract. She also wouldn’t say whether the contract was presented to Forbes for consideration.

Tarrant said she considered it “inappropriate” for a newspaper reporter to ask her questions about the new CEO’s contract.

During the Jan. 16 luncheon, Forbes said a priority for her starting out would be “to identify what needs to happen to rebuild a strong, cohesive senior leadership team, because they’re going to be the nucleus of setting a new tone, a new day, new goals and objectives.”

Forbes also emphasized a desire to provide “cradle-to-grave” care, as well as to be involved with the community.

The incoming CEO also talked about the importance of the public hospital being open and transparent.

“Transparency means to me to keep people informed, within the limits of what you can keep them informed on. It’s letting them know where the organization is going, speaking plainly about your issues and concerns,” Forbes said.

Sometimes the level of transparency a hospital has is hampered by patient confidentiality laws, she said.

“We need to say we can’t do this ‘because …,’ so that there’s understanding,” Forbes said. “It’s all about communication.”

Forbes did not return a call for comment by press time Tuesday.

If the contract is finalized, Tarrant said the hospital board hopes that Forbes will start in the position on April 20.