Debra Richardson has been named the new CEO of Chilton Medical Center.

She started in her new job last week. She previously served as the hospital’s chief clinical coordinator.

Richardson replaces Larry Jeter, who now oversees one of SunLink Healthcare’s hospitals in Georgia. SunLink also owns CMC.

Richardson said she plans to build off some of Jeter’s initiatives to grow and improve the hospital.

“We have a good foundation, and that will continue,” said Richardson.

She said the hospital is working to get a new CT scanner with 16-slice technology. CMC wants to expand its emergency department from six to 12 beds and has applied for a state certificate of need to house 10 geriatric psychiatric beds.

Richardson has worked for more than 35 years in nursing and healthcare administration.

She is a past project director of hospital services for the Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation.

“I really enjoy the small, community hospital,” said Richardson.

She has also worked as director of nursing for three years at Kings’ Daughters Hospital in Shelbyville, Ky., and in director roles at Gaston Memorial Hospital and Courtland Terrace, a 96-bed long term care facility, in Gastonia, N.C.

Richardson graduated from Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the State University of New York and a masters in health administration from Warren National University.

In 2000, she received the Great 100 award, recognizing her as one of the top 100 nurses in North Carolina.