Lorton Retires from Carilion; Halliwill New CFO

Don Lorton

After more than four decades of service to Carilion Clinic and Virginia health care, Donald E. Lorton  is retiring.  After three years with Pulaski Community Hospital, Lorton began his career with Carilion in 1972 when he became the Assistant Controller. He has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 1986. In 1993 he was named Executive Vice President.

After accepting Lorton’s retirement, the Carilion Clinic Board of Directors appointed Donald B. Halliwill as Chief Financial Officer. A southwest Virginia native, Halliwill has a 20-year history in health care, serving in many capacities since joining Carilion in 1997, including Director of Finance for the New River Valley Region, Chief Executive Officer for Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and Chief Financial Officer for the organization’s hospital division.

Lorton’s leadership maintained the organization’s strong and stable financial position through the years, despite severe economic downturns and a rapidly evolving health care environment.  In addition, he was instrumental in the development of Carilion’s physician group, information technology infrastructure and athletic clubs. In recent years, he led Carilion’s development of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) with Aetna.

 “Don’s role in maintaining the financial health of our organization cannot be overstated,” said Carilion Clinic President and CEO Nancy Howell Agee. “His stewardship over Carilion’s resources allowed us to make life-changing investments in southwest Virginia’s health care and the results will be felt for many years to come.  Moreover, his vision and strategic thinking along with his deep concern for the health of our region sets him apart.  We will miss his steady guidance.”

“Don Lorton has proven himself over and over again to be a man for all seasons,” said Laurens Sartoris, President of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. “Not only has he always demonstrated the best characteristics of a top flight financial manager, but it’s always been combined with common sense, a vision of the future, broad-based strategic thinking and lots of quiet wit and charm. It’s been a true pleasure to know and work with Don.”

“I have been blessed to work with and for many outstanding people throughout my career,” Lorton said.  “With their trust and support there has been a long list of opportunities afforded me.  It is rewarding to think that I may have contributed to Carilion’s success and the betterment of healthcare across Virginia.  Carilion is well positioned for healthcare reform and executing on its mission of improving the health of the communities it serves.  My wife Wanda and I, along with our children and grandchildren will be relying on that commitment.”