Update: This version of the story contains salary information for Barto and Gizdic.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center will see a major leadership change this year.

Jack Barto, NHRMC's president and CEO for the past 12 years, has announced his plans to retire no later than June 30, 2017, according to a news release Tuesday morning. The medical center's trustees have named John Gizdic, current chief operating officer, as Barto's successor.

Barto and Gizdic (at left) "will work together during a transition period to ensure a seamless leadership change," the release stated. On July 1 of this year, Gizdic will assume the title of president in addition to his current duties; Barto will remain CEO until his retirement.

Barto currently earns $769,153; Gizdic's salary as COO is $500,000, according to hospital officials.

The board unanimously approved the transition plan, the release stated, adding that the transition plan for the top job is consistent with a philosophy of succession planning established by the medical center.

“The Board of trustees is most grateful to Jack Barto for his leadership and stewardship of NHRMC,” board chairman Dick McGraw said in the release. “During his 12-year tour of duty, the hospital has produced more improvement in patient care and more growth than any time in its history.  Jack’s successor, John Gizdic, has been an integral part of that accomplishment and the Board is confident the successes will continue to grow.”  

During Barto's tenure, the medical center completed numerous key projects, such as the NHRMC Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital, the NHRMC Surgical Pavilion, a renovated patient tower, a physician network of more than 230 providers, conversion to electronic medical record, NHRMC ED-North and the current renovation of both the Emergency Department at NHRMC and the NHRMC Zimmer Cancer Center, the release stated. Barto has also built a new culture at NHRMC – one centered on improving patient experience and valuing employees, according to the release..

“This medical center will be forever indebted to Jack for his vision, his guidance and his leadership,” McGraw said. “He leaves the hospital in an excellent position of strength, which John will ably pick up and continue to lead us forward.”

Barto began at NHRMC in February 2004 after 20 years in healthcare leadership. He said then he intended to retire in Wilmington, and his announcement confirms those intentions, the release stated.