SEBASTIAN — Chief Operations Officer at Sebastian River Medical Center Kelly Enriquez has taken over as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the hospital in the wake the of the sudden resignation of Steven Salyer.
Enrquez will continue to serve in that capacity until a permanent replacement has been identified, according to an announcement by SRMC Director of Community Relations Angela Dickens, who added that a search is already underway for Salyer’s permanent replacement.
In a move that blindsided the Medical Center’s Board of Trustees and staff, Salyer announced over the weekend of March 22-23, that he was resigning his position, effective immediately, citing personal reasons.
He later elaborated in an interview with Sebastian River News that he is in Tennessee, looking after his mother, who is suffering from leukemia, after the recent death of his father.
Sebastian hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Frank Sherako said Salyer’s sudden decision “absolutely took us all by surprise. I’m disappointed,” he said, adding that he nevertheless respects Salyer’s decision.
Sources close to the Indian River Medical Center in nearby Vero Beach said Salyer was a leading candidate for the vacant post of Chief Operating Officer of that hospital, but Salyer himself would not comment on such speculation.
Sherako said he was not aware of that or any other specific reason for Salyer’s sudden resignation, which he regretted.
Salyer took the reins at SRMC in April 2012, significantly younger at only 36 than most individuals in similar positions.
Prior to moving to Sebastian with his wife and three little daughters, he served for a year and a half as CEO of Shands Medical Center, in Starke, Fla.
