Longview, TX — A decision “to go in another direction” is behind Good Shepherd Medical Center’s sudden dismissal of Ed Banos, who had been president and chief executive officer since 2008.

Banos was ousted late Wednesday in what he said was a surprise move by the hospital’s board of directors.

“Anytime a person gets terminated, I think they’re shocked,” Banos said Thursday. “I’m shocked.”

Executive Vice President Ken Cunningham was named interim CEO to guide the hospital while the board begins a nationwide search for a replacement.

“Ed’s done a great job, but the board decided to go in another direction,” Cunningham said. He declined to say what that direction might be or much else about the board’s action.

Read more from the Longview News-Journal.