Chatterton's health-care career was switch

Claude Chatterton is most recognized in Columbus as the president and CEO of Columbus Community Hospital (CCH), but few people here know the man who has turned many corners throughout his life.

Chatterton, 58, has served in administrative positions at hospitals in Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Illinois, but earlier in his life he could not have foreseen his career taking such a path.

The Minnesota-native served in the U.S. Navy and worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad Co., but the long-time employee was let go as part of a major layoff in the railroad during the early 1980s.

“It was a blessing in disguise,” Chatterton said. “It got me motivated to do something new.”

He advanced his education and followed the path of his uncle, who worked in hospital administration.

He graduated from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., with an undergraduate degree in business and earned his master’s degree in hospital and health care administration from the University of Minnesota.

From that point, Chatterton began his hospital career as a cost accountant.

Although he enjoys his job, Chatterton says he considers himself first and foremost to be a family man �” a proud husband, father and grandfather.

He said when he finally does retire, his plans are to relocate near his son so he can spend time with his grandson.

When he is not working, Chatterton said he is an avid bird hunter, but he also enjoys golfing and reading in his spare time.

He said he has trained dogs and run in marathons and still appreciates running to relax and stay healthy.

Chatterton serves as a diplomat with the American College of Healthcare Executives, is a member of the local Lions Club and has participated in the Relay for Life and Drive for Five campaigns. He also is active with the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We try to be a good corporate citizen in Columbus and surrounding communities,” he said. “I think all of us have been blessed, and we need to give back ... help the community when we can.”

As president and CEO of CCH he would like to see continued improvements at the hospital and to provide the best care CCH is able to provide, such as future improvements to the hospital’s emergency department.

“We try to look at the needs of our community and try to determine if we can fill those needs and do so with high quality service,” he said.

One such initiative was the decision approved by the hospital board to make CCH’s campuses tobacco-free effective Nov. 20.

Chatterton, a former smoker who has been tobacco-free since 1992, said the no-tobacco policy is an effort to make the hospital a leader in promoting health living.

“It’s not easy quitting. It is definitely an addiction,” he said.

He and his wife, Mary Jo, tried many times before being successful, but they relied on each other to overcome the habit.

In the year and a half since he arrived in Columbus, he said he has been pleasantly surprised at how friendly the community is. He said he and his wife have been made to feel more welcome in Columbus during the last 18 months than during their pervious 11 years in Illinois.

This community has been very welcoming to us, Chatterton said, and “I plan to be here for the rest of my career.”