Thomas Health announced this week that it has entered a “management and clinical affiliation agreement” with WVU Health System. The agreement also establishes a pathway where Thomas Health could become a full member of the WVU Health System. Thomas Health Board Chairwoman Angela Mayfield said the partnership will help bring specialists and expanded care to smaller communities. Coinciding with the announcement, Thomas Health President and CEO Dan Lauffer also announced his retirement. Albert L. Wright Jr., president and CEO of WVU Health, will serve as interim CEO and president while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.