Cox Branson board chairman retires

Jim Kaneaster, a member of the board through Skaggs Regional Medical Center's acquisition by CoxHealth, has retired.

Chairman of the board for the Branson hospital 2012-14 and a member since 2004, Kaneaster's last meeting for Cox Medical Center Branson was Sept. 25, said CoxHealth spokeswoman Mindy Honey. Phil Loyd, owner of Branson-based Loyd's Electric Supply Inc., was elected as the next board chairman and his first meeting in that capacity is slated Oct. 30, she said.

"Jim dedicated years of service to our board of directors and has decided to retire from the board so he can spend more time with his family. We truly appreciate the support and guidance he has given to the hospital over the years," Honey said via email.

A supermarket corporate manager by trade before retiring and moving to Branson in 1999, Kaneaster served the board as treasurer, secretary and vice chairman.