Adairsville native Vicki Darnell has been chosen to take over as CEO of Ephraim McDowell Health, Danville, Ky., when current CEO Clark Taylor steps down.

Darnell came to EMH from Southeast Alabama Medical Center more than two years ago and has served as executive vice president.

“We are in an enviable situation. We have a current CEO who is doing a wonderful job and are grateful to have within our organization a CEO in waiting that we have confidence will take this organization to the next level,” said Barton L. Ramsey III, EMH Board Chair.

Darnell received her bachelor of science degree from Shorter College, her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Mississippi College and her master’s of science in nursing in health systems administration from Queens College in Charlotte, NC.

“It has been my pleasure to serve this wonderful organization for the past two years,” Darnell said. “In that time, I have grown to value our associates, medical staff, volunteers, board members and the community.”