Carlyle Walton, who this week is concluding 11 years as president and CEO of Takoma Regional Hospital, was bid a warm farewell Tuesday evening during a reception attended by many local leaders and friends.

He has been an active community leader for more than a decade.

Walton didn't make a speech Tuesday evening. Instead, he heard many expressions of regret over his departure this Friday for Texas.

Walton has been named the new president and CEO of Metroplex Health System, in Killeen, Texas.

Metroplex Health System is a 233-bed, multi-campus facility that is part of the Adventist Health System Sunbelt (AHSS) Region.

Walton was accompanied at the reception by his wife, Astrid, their two children, and his parents, who will continue as Greeneville residents.

Greeneville Mayor Laraine King, said, of Walton, "His leadership in Greeneville has been greatly valued. He is going to be hard to replace."

Dr. James R. McKinney, a former chief of staff at Takoma Regional Hospital, said, "I have seen seven CEOs come and go (at Takoma) and Carlyle has been the most expansive in service to the community of any CEO we've ever had."

Bill Carroll, general manager of the Greeneville Light & Power System, said, "I hate to see him go. He has been such an asset for this community. He has been very positive."

Drucilla Miller, dean of Walters State Community College here, agreed, saying, "It's just been wonderful having him in Greeneville and working with him."

Sam Miller, her husband and president of Consmer Credit Union, agreed, praising Walton's service as a spokesman for the community and his facility with the English language.

Art Masker, president and CEO of Holston Home for Children, said Walton "meant a great deal to Holton Home," where he served as vice president of the board of trustees and chairman of its finance committee.

Mike Hollowell, executive director of the local YMCA, said Walton and his family were active members of the Y, and he was very helpful in obtaining increased corporate contributions for the Y.

James Kilgore, president of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, said that he and Walton came to this community about the same time and became close friends and "prayer partners."

State Rep. Eddie Yokley, D-11th, of Greene County, said of Walton, "I think this community is going to miss him very much. He was very professional. I hate to see him go."

Al Giles, retired president of Jarden Zinc Products Co., said, "Carlyle has been a tremendous asset to this community ... He is going to be a great loss."

Jerry Fortner, an executive with C & C Millwright, said Walton has always been friendly and positive. Fortner said, "If you don't like Carlyle, you should check yourself in to Woodbridge," (a regional mental institution.)

Walton is a native of the South American country of Guyana, which is north of Brazil and east of Venezuela. His wife, Astrid, is from the island nation of Trinidad And Tobago, where they met.

Married 24 years, they have two children -- Christopher, 20, and Ashleigh, 18. Both are college students.

Walton's parents, Carlton Sr. and Olga, moved to Greeneville about six years ago from the Washington, D.C., area and plan to stay, which means Carlyle and Astrid are expected to be coming back for visits.

Walton will start at his new position next Monday, July 6.

Metroplex Health System is a 233-bed, multi-campus facility that is part of the Adventist Health System Sunbelt (AHSS) Region.

According to an AHSS press release, in his new role, Walton will "provide administrative leadership for Metroplex Adventist Hospital, Rollins Brook Community Hospital, Metroplex Pavilion Behavioral Health and numerous medical offices and community clinics."

Walton has said previously, "It has been an honor for me to serve with my colleagues at Takoma Regional Hospital, and I look forward to the opportunities and friendships that I will make at Metroplex Health System."

Walton has served as president and CEO of Takoma Regional Hospital since 1998.

During that time, he has been "instrumental in recruiting key physicians, successfully developing a joint ownership relationship with Wellmont Health System, initiating and completing multiple expansion projects, and recently implemented Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) seamlessly with the medical staff," a press release said.

An active leader in the Greeneville community for years, he is a former chairman of the Greene County Partnership, has served on a variety of community boards, and has been recognized by numerous local organizations for his civic involvement and leadership.

"Carlyle has served Takoma Regional and the people of Greene County for more than a decade, and I know you join me in wishing him and his family well," said Mike Snow, president and CEO of Wellmont Health System.

Jimm Bunch, president and CEO of the Adventist Health System Appalachia Region and board chairman for Takoma Regional Hospital, has said, "Takoma Regional Hospital is a leader in quality care. This is evident not only by the high JCAHO scores over the years but because of Carlyle's commitment to building physician and employee relationships."