CAMARILLO : Hospital Chief to Retire Next Month

The executive director of Camarillo State Hospital has announced that he will retire next month to move to Washington state with his wife.

“Part of me will always be sad that I’m leaving,” said Frank Turley, 51. “But this is what my wife and I worked for. I was just able to do it sooner than I expected it.”

The hospital executive said he decided to take the early retirement after his son told him that he was not going to college, saving Turley from paying tuition expenses.

Turley has held the Camarillo post for 7 1/2 years. He has worked at various state hospitals throughout California for nearly 29 years. His last day at the hospital will be Feb. 28.

Turley said he plans to spend his retirement fishing and relaxing.

Carol Hood, Turley’s boss and state deputy chief for developmental centers, said she is sorry that Turley is leaving.

“Frank has been a great asset,” she said. “He has run a very good program and he has done very well.”

She said the state Department of Developmental Services is advertising for applicants to fill the position, which could pay up to $78,036 annually. She said only state employees will be considered for the slot.

Hood said officials hope to have a replacement chosen by early April.