Dear Big Sandy Community:

I do not typically feel the need to provide public clarification on personal matters; however, recent events have influenced me to do so. I devoted the past 10 years to Big Sandy Medical Center (BSMC) in more ways than is commonly known. I never asked for praise nor boasted about all I did. I grew up with BSMC as a major part of my life; and its success has been my focus for the last decade. In 2014, when the Board then (which included Gordon Moes, Dianna Webster, and Sharon Robertson) chose me as CEO, they gave me an amazing opportunity for which I am forever grateful. Thank you for believing in me.

The past two years have been challenging with COVID, new board members, and strategic plans/changes. I intended to see things through, to continue working with the current medical staff and employees. Most of us were in it for the right reasons and common goals; we were a great team. Granted, there were and still are some “not-so-team-oriented” people there; but you will find that everywhere. That just adds to the challenges. In March, I requested to negotiate a new employment contract as mine was due to expire in July. After three months, it was apparent a mutual agreement could not be reached; so I chose to allow my contract to expire. Is that considered a “resignation”? One might say that is debatable. In the end, a favor was done for me; my family and I are moving on and will be better for it.

With that being said, I worry about BSMC’s future as an independent, community owned and operated facility. Things will continue to change. I am hopeful for the better; but that all depends on the Big Sandy community. The one thing I implore each of you to do is be more involved and aware of who is appointed to local boards and groups: the medical center, school, booster club, senior center, activity center, etc. These influential boards and groups make or break this community. Members and officers have great responsibility and need to be selected carefully.

They should not go in with personal agendas, little experience and education, or gullibility for rumors and gossip. Community members need to know about missions, meeting dates, bylaws, elections, term limits, etc. You need to have a voice in who represents Big Sandy; who you believe will speak for and make the best decisions for the entire community. You owe it to yourselves, your children, and the future of this town.

Thank you to those of you that care for and cheered on my kids. Thank you to those that support me as well as those that challenged me, both personally and professionally. I leave with no regrets. I know I have done my best and have always led with my heart. Those that know me, know that. And that’s enough for me.

~Leah Griffith

Big Sandy, MT