PHOTO BY JIM LOWE Carlyle Walton, newly designated president and chief executive officer of Metroplex Health System, discussed the concept of "managing up" during a reception last week. The staff of Rollins Brook Community Hospital and local residents welcomed back a familiar face.

Carlyle Walton, a former administrator of the Lampasas health-care facility, recently was tabbed to be president and chief executive officer of Metroplex Health System.

In his new role, Walton will give administrative leadership for Metroplex Adventist Hospital, Rollins Brook Community Hospital and Metroplex Pavilion Behavioral Health, as well as a number of medical offices and community clinics.

Last Friday, Walton and his family met with local hospital officials and the public during a reception at Rollins Brook.

Jeff Villanueva, vice president and administrator of Metroplex Health System, introduced Walton, who for the past 11 years served with Takoma Regional Hospital in Greeneville, Tenn.

"He is one of the main reasons Rollins Brook is alive and a part of Metroplex Adventist Health System," Villanueva said.

After the then Rollins-Brook Hospital closed for a time in 1991, local citizens raised more than $500,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to help reopen the facility. The Metroplex system -- with Walton playing a key role -- oper- ated the Lampasas hospital for several years then acquired it. Rollins Brook has prospered since its reopening, officials indicated.

Before Walton made his remarks last week, his wife of 25 years, Astrid, was presented a bouquet. The couple's son, Christopher -- a business administration and public relations major at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tenn. -- was introduced. Also meeting the crowd was the Waltons' daughter, Ashleigh, an incoming freshman at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., where she will enter the School of Architecture.

Walton told his listeners he is an advocate of "managing up" within organizations, such as Metroplex and Rollins Brook.

He defined the phrase as "saying only positive, uplifting comments about each other." Added the hospital official: "I see no value in tearing anyone down."

The potential of the Metroplex system is unlimited, Walton said. "We're going to build on what's right." And he said he wants to make Rollins Brook even stronger.

"We believe life is a miracle of God," Walton also said. The Metroplex and Rollins Brooks mission "is all about glorifying God."

An acronym, EGO, used by management expert and author Ken Blanchard illustrates the choice that is before people in their day-to-day lives, Walton suggested.

People either choose to "Edge God Out" of their lives or to be dedicated to "Exalting God Only," the new Metroplex president said.

In his closing comments Walton said, "It's great to be back home." And, he added: "I'm looking forward to reconnecting with so many of you."