February 6, 2008

“I don’t really see myself retiring, completely,” says Paul Smith, whose last day at Penobscot Valley Hospital will be February 29th. As a Registered Maine Guide, Smith says he expects to still be active in the community and in the Maine outdoors, and you’ll still him at his family’s gift shop downtown, Possibilities. He’s been helping his wife, Brenda, during busy times of the year for years, but now his face will be more prominent at the popular business.

“We wish Paul the best of luck as he starts this new chapter in his life,” says CEO Dave Shannon. “He has been a great contributor to the growth of this hospital, and his knowledge of materials management and of the history of the facility will surely be missed.”

Smith started working at PVH 35 years ago, after an impressive career as a Navy Hospital Corpsman from 1968-1972. He served at the St. Albans Naval Hospital in New York City, where many Vietnam Veterans were brought for extended care. He was also stationed at the Naval Dispensory at the SeaBee Base in Davisville, Rhode Island and at the Naval Hospital in Keflavik, Iceland.

After his time in service to the country ended, Smith returned to his home town of Lincoln. His roots lie deep in the mill town. Smith was born in the same home where his father was born, attended Mattanawcook Academy, and decided to settle here. Soon after his return to Maine, PVH opened, in the spring of 1973.

Smith was originally hired as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and later worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) mostly in the Emergency Department. Smith decided to advance his medical career by attending the School of Surgical Technology in Portland, graduating in 1977. During his schooling, he continued to work at PVH on weekends and then returned to full time employment as an LPN/EMT/Certified Surgical Technologist . Then in 1984, he received a promotion and became the Director of Support Services and Materials Management for the hospital.

“I really enjoyed the personal interaction with the patients when I worked on the clinical side of the hospital,’ says Smith. “In my administrative positions, I missed the direct contact with patients, but I found new challenges in healthcare. I enjoyed negotiating contracts, arranging for the purchase of capital equipment, and managing construction projects at the hospital, including the building of two medical office buildings. I prided myself in developing relationships with vendors, so our staff could get the necessary equipment to help them do their jobs and provide the best service to the community.”

During his three and a half decades at PVH, Smith has been part of a number of organizations, including the Maine Hospital Engineers Society. He was the President of the Board of Directors for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and represented the hospital on that panel. For seven years, Smith was also the Race Director for the Mattanawcook Triathalon, which the hospital helped sponsor.

A big part of Smith’s life outside the hospital since 1989 has been taken up by Lincoln Search and Rescue. He started the high-angle rescue team for the organization, and is now the Coordinator of Swift Water Rescue. As a Registered Maine Guide he’s also been active in the Maine wilderness, teaching recreational courses, such as skiing, rock and ice climbing, canoeing, and rescue techniques. He’s worked with many local groups, including the Boy Scouts and summer recreational programs through the Hyde School.

Smith is also planning to spend some time off the ground during his retirement. He got his pilot’s license in 1971, and he’d like to get back into flying with friends. The family also has a camp on Moosehead Lake, and Smith is hoping to spend more time there. Plus, he may consider doing some part time projects, as opportunities arise.

More than anything else, retirement will allow Smith more time with his family. His daughter, Rebecca Smith, who lives in North Carolina, works as a freelance writer and editor. He also has a step-daughter named Karen Nash who lives in Florida. Nash is a cosmetologist and has two boys, ages 7 and 11. Smith says he’ll finally have the freedom to travel to be with both grown children and his grandchildren more, but he says he will deeply miss the hospital.

“PVH has a great staff and lots of challenges ahead. I know they can handle whatever comes their way. The hospital provides exceptional service, and I’m glad to have been a part of that history and tradition.”


For information on this and other news releases from PVH, contact Allison Bankston at 794-7124 or abankston@pvhme.org.