HENDERSON — Jared Smith has been named chief executive officer for UT Health Henderson and UT Health Carthage, effective Oct. 13.
Smith has been instrumental in the growth and development of UT Health Quitman since he started there as CEO in December 2020. He worked to improve quality of care and patient experience, while also increasing access to care.
Before starting with UT Health, Smith spent six years with Community Health Systems in Indiana, departing as assistant chief executive officer after having served in a variety of roles leading clinical and non-clinical teams, overseeing construction projects, and improving operational efficiencies along with many other responsibilities.
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in health service administration from Clemson University and his master’s degree in health administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Smith will replace Mark Leitner, who is retiring after almost two decades of dedicated service to the health system. Leitner announced his retirement earlier this year, but graciously agreed to stay on and assist in the CEO selection process and ensure a smooth transition. A community retirement celebration is being planned for Leitner with details to be released soon.
Guy Cayo will serve on an interim basis as administrator for UT Health Quitman while retaining his role as CEO at UT Health Pittsburg. Before assuming the Pittsburg CEO position in March 2021, he spent the majority of his career at Kindred Hospital systems. Cayo earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and his master’s degree in health administration from Florida International University in Miami.
UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes nine hospitals, more than 90 clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services covering 41 counties, an EMS fleet of more than 60 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive seven-trauma center care network, including the region’s only Level 1 trauma facility.
As a partner with The University of Texas System, UT Health East Texas is uniquely positioned to provide patients with access to leading-edge research and clinical therapies while training and educating the next generation of physicians and other health professionals. The nationally recognized UT System also includes UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, as well as three other major university medical centers located throughout the state.