Nov. 9, 2007 — With a little bit of tears, laughter and some trips down memory lane, community members, family and friends turned out en masse Friday to welcome Schneider Regional Medical Center's new president and chief executive officer, Amos Carty Jr.
The hospital was transformed for the event, with bright lights and the sounds of a steel pan band transforming the entrance. Circular tables draped in white filled both outside and inside lobbies, while the smells of food permeated the building. Smiles were everywhere, and continued to be present for the rest of the evening as a small panel of speakers marked the occasion by saying a few words about the guest of honor.
Carty's father, presiding bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy in Albany, N.Y., set the tone for the event by passing on a piece of advice to his son that was given to him years before. "Nothing can happen to you today, both good and bad, that you and God can't handle," he said, choking up as he continued to lead the audience in prayer.
Throughout the evening speakers discussed the potential challenges Schneider Regional will face in the future. However, all expressed confidence in Carty's ability to push the facility "onto the next level," building on the legacy and foundation left by former CEO Rodney Miller Sr.
"Rodney took Amos under his wing, and he was an apt student," said June A. Adams, chair of the hospital's board. "He learned, and he proved that he was ready. Rodney always stood behind Amos — I called them Batman and Robin — and we stand behind him, as well. In life, you have to recognize those people that you can trust, those people who can continue to carry out your vision. I believe Amos is that one."
Carty, who cut a dashing figure in a gray suit, looked surprised at the beginning of the ceremony, raising his eyebrows after entering a room filled with people and applause. After Adams' remarks, Carty's eyes again filled with emotion, and he bowed his head as he continued to listen.
Adams cautioned the audience to "keep Amos close" when problems arise.
"If you have a problem, don't go all around talking about it," she said. "Stick with Amos, because he's ours, and we're going to keep working with him."
Supporting the hospital's new leader didn't seem to be a problem for the audience, which kept the building ringing with applause and cheers. From the second floor, medical staff and residents peered down from the balcony, mixing their well wishes and congratulations with the rest of the crowd.
Stepping quietly up to the podium, Carty kept his voice calm.
"The most I can say about this event is — wow," he said. "This is really magnificent. This is the second time that the staff has left me speechless."
Regaining his momentum, Carty spoke at length about the people who influenced him most in life, highlighting members of his family, along with hospital staff and administrators. His voice broke, however, when speaking about his father, whom he described as "the greatest man I know."
"He has always been an inspiration to me," Carty said to his father. "He is perhaps the only man in this world that I can say I totally respect. None of this would have been complete if you weren't here to share it with me."
Carty also spent time sharing his memories of Miller, and the need to expand on the former administrator's vision for the hospital.
"The legacy this man has left — we are going to work hard and build upon that vision, and truly take the hospital to the next level," he said.
Miller, who was brought on about five years ago to lead the hospital, resigned his post in late September, moving on to Hollywood, Fla., where he will serve as administrator and chief executive officer of Memorial Regional Hospital, a half-billion dollar facility. (See "Emotional Farewell as Miller Steps Down from Schneider Medical Center.")
The evening ended like it started, with more music and loud cheers and applause from the crowd, which gave Carty a standing ovation as he stepped down from the podium and into the welcoming arms of his family and friends.
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