Payton leaves, Capozello assumes command of Fallbrook Hospital

FALLBROOK — Fallbrook Hospital has announced that chief executive officer Larry Payton will be leaving to accept a CEO position at another Community Health Systems (CHS) facility: Lea Regional Medical Center in Hobbs, NM.

Payton, who has been administrator of Fallbrook Hospital and the Skilled Nursing Facility since 2003, will assume his new responsibilities in New Mexico on May 5.

“I have mixed emotions about leaving,” said Payton. “In the past four and a half years we’ve come together as a cohesive team to strengthen Fallbrook Hospital and its ability to meet the community’s needs. I am proud of the successes we have achieved, the storms – and fires – we’ve weathered and the high-quality care we’re focused on providing.”

Fred Capozello has been named Interim CEO of the hospital.

Capozello, hired in 2001 as chief financial officer, has served as assistant chief executive officer since 2005. In addition to leadership of all ancillary services, he directed the $10 million expansion of the hospital’s Outpatient Ambulatory Services and Endoscopy Center, led the upgrade of imaging systems and successfully recruited three primary care physicians into Fallbrook group practices.

Capozello has 17 years of senior management, operation and financial experience in California hospitals.

“I will miss Fallbrook Hospital, the community and the many outstanding people I have had the chance to work with and get to know,” Payton said. “There’s a strong team in place at the hospital and I am confident they will continue the momentum and maintain focus on doing what’s best for the patients and the community.”