by Staff Writer
Garrett Hoover, President and Chief Operating Officer of Carroll Hospital, has announced his plans to retire later this year, concluding an impressive 38-year career in healthcare leadership. Hoover also serves as senior vice president at LifeBridge Health, Carroll Hospital’s parent organization, and has been instrumental in advancing the hospital’s mission since joining in March 2020.
Hoover assumed leadership just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, helping steer the hospital and community through an unprecedented public health crisis. Under his leadership, Carroll Hospital launched several major initiatives as part of its Vision 2020 plan. These included the construction of a new patient tower with a critical care unit, upgrades to the perioperative area and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and the addition of a new café. More recently, he oversaw the start of a $9.5 million renovation of the emergency department and helped establish a Bachelor of Nursing program in partnership with McDaniel College.
Prior to joining Carroll Hospital, Hoover held senior leadership roles including President and COO of Corning Hospital in New York and Senior Vice President at the Guthrie Clinic. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds graduate degrees in both healthcare administration and human resources. He also completed post-graduate work in health management and policy and served on the American Hospital Association’s national behavioral health committee.
Reflecting on his time at Carroll, Hoover said, “Serving as president of Carroll Hospital has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am deeply proud of our Carroll Hospital team and what we have accomplished together. I am grateful for the dedication of our caregivers and staff in working together in our shared mission to care for others and improve the health of the people in our community.”
Beyond his professional role, Hoover has been active in the Carroll County community, serving on the boards of the Westminster Rescue Mission and the Boys and Girls Club of Westminster, and volunteering as a youth baseball coach.
“Carroll County is a truly remarkable place,” Hoover added. “It’s been an honor to work alongside our community partners, board members, donors and others on initiatives that will shape the future of our community for years to come.”
Leslie Simmons, Executive Vice President and COO of LifeBridge Health—and a former president of Carroll Hospital—will serve as interim president while a national search is conducted for Hoover’s successor. His official retirement date has not yet been announced but is expected in mid-November.
“Garrett has tirelessly advocated for Carroll Hospital, our team members and our greater Carroll County community. We are thankful for his leadership and service and wish him the best in his retirement,” says Simmons.
Following his retirement, Hoover plans to relocate to Brazil to be closer to his wife’s family.
