Commission OKs Silver for UMC job

Clark County commissioners said little Tuesday before approving Kathy Silver for the top post at University Medical Center.

The only naysaying was Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani's misgivings about Silver not coming forward with concerns about Lacy Thomas' actions while he was UMC's chief executive.

Silver, 60, became acting head after the county manager fired Thomas in January 2007 amid a growing debt and allegations that he funneled hefty contracts to Chicago friends who did no work in return.

Giunchigliani said the hospital's culture of looking the other way and keeping quiet must end. "If you even suspect something isn't being done right, you better step in front of the (county) board," she told Silver. "I have reservations, but I wish you luck."

Silver vowed to meet that expectation. "We will be transparent," she said.

Silver is negotiating her salary for the post and currently earns $204,000 a year. Thomas made $250,000 yearly.

Brian Brannman, 51, a retired Navy rear admiral, will be in charge of the hospital's daily operations. His annual salary will be $196,000.

Both Silver and Brannman have said their most daunting tasks are improving the hospital's finances and efficiency while caring for patients who can't afford to pay.

With Thomas at the helm, the hospital's operating debt swelled to $56 million in 2007. It is expected to dip to $51 million by the end of this year.

Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.