Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has appointed Bob Shurtleff to PMC Board of Directors. He has an extensive history of development and service to the City of Pikeville and will make a wonderful addition to the board.

“Bob is an exceptional choice as our newest board member. I have known Bob and his wonderful family for many years,” said Vice President of the Board of Directors and CEO Donovan Blackburn. “I had the opportunity to work directly with Bob, as he serves the citizens of Pikeville as a city commissioner. He is a well-respected member of the region, an excellent business leader and great family man. I am proud to call him my dear friend. Bob also has a vast background in leadership and regional collaboration working for AEP as their Manager of External Affairs.”

Prior to his appointment as external affairs manager for AEP, Shurtleff was the Manager of Distribution Services (MDS) for Kentucky Power’s Pikeville Service District, which began in July 2006. As an MDS, he oversaw all electricity distribution operations serving customers in Pike, Floyd, Knott, Martin, Johnson, Morgan and Magoffin counties in eastern Kentucky. He was also responsible for customer services, marketing, community affairs and safety functions in the district. Earlier in his career with Kentucky Power, Shurtleff served as the Safety and Health Manager where he was responsible for safety for the operations in Kentucky.

Shurtleff stated that he hoped to contribute to the vision of growth for PMC. He credits the hospital’s employees for their dedication to patient care and service.

“Joining the board allows to me give back, but it has also opening my eyes to what an economic engine the hospital is, and how many lives it impact in our areas,” said Shurtleff. “This hospital is one of the premiere facilities in the country nestled right here in the mountains.”
Shurtleff’s family has deep roots in Pikeville, going back generations. His grandparents settled in the area and started Shurtleff’s Laundry in 1921. It remains PMC’s longest standing contract, going on 90+ years.

Shurtleff and his wife, Kathy, are lifetime residents of Pikeville. He is a graduate of Pikeville High School and attended the University of Kentucky where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He is currently serving his second term as a Pikeville City Commissioner, serves on the Big Sandy Community and Technical College Foundation Board as well as the Technical Advisory Board.

“I’ve had the opportunity to travel through work and in college and have never found another place that I wanted to raise my family,” Shurtleff explained. “Pikeville has been wonderful for me and for my own children.”

From broken bones and surgery, to the birth of his children, Shurtleff has always tuned to PMC for quality health care.

“I want to promote the hospital and show the rest of the state why we are special and what we have here, said Shurtleff. “PMC has always been part of my life. I was born here, my children were born there my family has gotten treatment there and the laundry has had a contract with the hospital for over 90 years.”

“His diverse background in business and knowledge of our service area will serve the hospital well,” said Blackburn. “I look forward to working with Bob on his new capacity as we lead the hospital into a new and exciting era.”