Gunn stepping down as Trident CEO

The chief executive officer of North Charleston-based hospital operator and medical services provider Trident Health Systems is resigning after nearly four years in the top job, citing a career change.

Terry J. Gunn, who also is president of HCA Carolina, announced his decision to step down by Sept. 30 in a memo Wednesday to Trident employees, physicians and trustees.

"This was a personal and mutual decision between me and HCA," he said in a statement.

Gunn, who was not available for comment Friday, said he has decided "to alter my career course and pursue an undisclosed opportunity which will enable me to invest in my two favorite passions: being an engaged husband and father, and creating development platforms for future business leaders."

Trident's owner, Nashville-based HCA, is seeking a successor, he added.

Gunn said he will remain CEO until his replacement is named and "an appropriate transition period is complete."

As HCA's top local executive, Gunn oversees Trident Medical Center in North Charleston, Summerville Medical Center in Summerville and Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro.

The system also includes diagnostic centers and ambulatory surgery centers.

As head of HCA Carolina, he also had responsibility for Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and other medical facilities in Horry County.

Gunn has spent 15 of his 20 years in the hospital administration business with HCA, which was taken private in a leveraged buyout in late 2006.

He moved from an Augusta hospital to take the top job at Trident in September 2004.

Contact John McDermott at 937-5572 or jmcdermott@postandcourier.com.