PICKENS — Information provided to The Easley Progress and The Pickens Sentinel from the Law Office of John G. Reckenbeil in Spartanburg shows that Michael Batchelor, former CEO of Baptist Easley Hospital, does possess credentials indicating he received degrees from or attended three different institutions, contrary to a report published by this newspaper last week.
John G. Reckenbeil, who identified himself as Batchelor’s attorney in an email sent to the newspaper, emailed scanned copies of Batchelor’s associate in arts and associate in science degrees obtained from the University of South Carolina along with a scanned copy of his bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland and a scanned copy of his master of science in management degree from Troy State University.
Reckenbeil also included copies of Batchelor’s college transcripts from Troy State University and UMUC.
Batchelor’s departure from Baptist Easley Hospital was announced May 6 in a short statement issued late that afternoon by the hospital’s board of directors.
The reason for Batchelor’s sudden departure was missing from any statements from the board, but several employees and those close to the situation referenced a “personality clash” between Batchelor and upper management and employees of Baptist Easley.
Those who commented spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are still employed with Baptist Easley or have professional relationships with the healthcare provider.
Batchelor’s resume when hired as CEO of Baptist Easley reflected service in the U.S. Army as a combat field medic beginning in 1988 with an educational background including an associate’s degree from the University of South Carolina, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, and a master’s degree in Health Care Management from Troy State University.
When Batchelor was hired as the CEO of Baptist Easley in 2013, GHS contracted with Atlanta based search firm Witt-Kieffer, according to previous reports in The Easley Progress.
The company reviewed 188 resumes, whittling the candidate pool down to six potential candidates who then went through a rigorous interview process with GHS management and board members before settling on three. The position was eventually offered to Batchelor.
A request was made last week to the administration of Baptist Easley Hospital concerning Batchelor’s resume and academic record.
Chad Carlson, manager of marketing and public relations for Baptist Easley, said they would not be releasing any information from Batchelor’s file.
“We will not be releasing Mr. Batchelor’s resume from his personnel file as it contains personal information,” Carlson said.
