Jared Smith, CEO of UT Health in Quitman since December 2020, has been named chief executive officer for UT Health Henderson and UT Health Carthage, effective Oct. 13.

Smith has worked to improve quality of care and patient experience, while also increasing access to care at Quitman.

Before starting with UT Health, Jared 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.

He 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, Cayo spent the majority of his career at Kindred Hospital systems. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and his master’s degree in health administration from Florida International University in Miami.