New Grady CEO faces financial, political hurdles

From gearing up for the healthcare overhaul to dealing with rising numbers of uninsured patients, John Haupert will confront an array of hurdles as Grady Health System's new CEO. While they are substantial, the challenges facing Grady aren't new territory for Haupert, who currently serves as executive vice president/COO of Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas. A team of Grady corporate board members spent months sifting through hundreds of applications following the resignation of former CEO Michael Young earlier this year. "Grady is not just an occupation," said board chairman Pete Correll. "It is a mission, a calling." Under a three-year contract, Haupert's base salary will total $615,000 with a maximum 30% yearly bonus based on performance, Correll said. He will take over in early October if his appointment is approved by the full board, which will vote Aug. 8. The Arkansas native is currently overseeing the construction of a $1.3 billion, 862-bed replacement hospital in Dallas.