Western Region CEO appointments
PHOENIX (Dec. 28, 2007) -- There have been several new CEO appointments for Banner Health's Western Region rural hospitals.
The new appointments include Margie Molitor as CEO of Washakie Medical Center; Bob Edwards CEO of Ogallala Community Hospital; Nancy Schmid CEO of East Morgan County Hospital; Michelle Joy CEO of Sterling Regional MedCenter and Joanne Fenton as interim CEO of Banner Lassen Medical Center.
Margie Molitor assumed the role of chief executive officer of Washakie Medical Center in Worland, Wyo. in September. She joined the Washakie administrative team after serving as CEO of Ogallala Community Hospital in Ogallala, Neb., a position she held for three years. Prior to her Ogallala experience she worked as chief nursing officer at Banner Health’s Community Hospital in Torrington, Wyo.
“Margie expressed an interest in returning to Wyoming and specifically about joining the team at Washakie Medical Center,” said President, Western Region, Jim Ferando. “She has done a superb job at Ogallala Community Hospital and we are delighted that she is willing to share her experience and expertise in her leadership role at Washakie Medical Center.”
Bob Edwards, MBA, joined Ogallala Community Hospital as CEO effective January 1. Edwards replaced interim CEO Dena Klockman who resumed her position as chief finance officer for the hospital. Klockman recently celebrated 25 years with Banner Health.
Edwards has more than 16 years experience in CEO positions in both medium-sized and rural communities most recently serving at Cushing Memorial Hospital in Leavenworth, Kan., a 74-bed nonprofit hospital and subsidiary of Saint Luke’s Health System in Kansas City.
“Bob is an experienced leader, mentor and communicator focused on building partnerships with the community, staff and physicians. He is very civic minded, and his leadership style is employee focused and patient centered,” said Ferando. “He is passionate about living and guiding our mission of ‘making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care.’ We believe that Bob is a best fit for Ogallala Community Hospital in this critical leadership role.”
Nancy Schmid took the helm as the new CEO of East Morgan County Hospital in Brush, Colo. on Dec. 3.
Chris Rogers had been the interim CEO at East Morgan County Hospital since the departure of former CEO Larry Leaming in August. “Chris has done an exceptional job at the hospital; we hope that he will continue to work within Banner Health sharing his leadership expertise,” said Ferando.
Schmid has more than 20 years experience in health care leadership positions in rural communities, and most recently worked with Intermountain Health Care as administrator at Millard County Care Center in Delta, Utah. She has a master’s degree in Public Administration, a master’s degree in Health Care Administration, and a bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy.
“Schmid clearly demonstrates the desired 3 E’s of Banner Health leaders: energy, excitement and enthusiasm,” said Ferando. “She is an experienced leader and communicator who is passionate about providing medical excellence, the best people and the best care for East Morgan County and surrounding communities.”
Michelle Joy took the helm as CEO of Sterling Regional MedCenter in Sterling, Colo. in November. Joy previously served as CEO at Banner Lassen Medical Center in Susanville, Calif.
Joy had been CEO of Banner Lassen Medical Center for two years and a Banner employee for eight years. Before assuming her CEO role at Banner Lassen, she served as associate administrator with then CEO Dave Anderson who passed away in July 2005.
“Michelle’s leadership skills and reputation for developing strong ties to the community will serve Sterling Regional MedCenter well,” said Ferando. “Most importantly, she is committed to furthering Banner Health’s nonprofit mission of making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care.”
“Within a relatively short period at Banner Lassen, Michelle developed a strong leadership team, and maintained strong financial performance while enhancing services to the community including: nuclear medicine studies, Computer Aided Detection (CAD) for mammography, bone density studies, a 16-slice CT scanner and the upcoming installation of a free-standing MRI unit,” said Ferando.
Joanne Fenton became the interim CEO at Banner Lassen Medical Center effective Dec. 17. Fenton replaced interim CEO David Baltzer.
Fenton is the former chief administrative officer at North Colorado Medical Center Greeley, Colo. “In her tenure at NCMC, Joanne served as Cardiovascular Service Line director, chief nursing officer, interim CEO and chief administrative officer,” said Ferando. “She has proven leadership abilities to provide guidance to the Administrative team at Banner Lassen until a “best fit” for both the hospital and community is found.”
“We are looking for a leader who will be vested in Banner Lassen and the community of Susanville. We are fortunate that Joanne was looking for additional opportunities within Banner Health at the same time our search continued for the “best fit” for Banner Lassen,” said Ferando.
“Joanne was instrumental in the evolution of the Professional Nursing Organization in Colorado, NCMC’s Magnet status and the Colorado Performance Excellence awards for NCMC,” said Gene O’Hara, CEO at NCMC. “She has left lasting legacies at the hospital and the community.”
“Banner Lassen Medical Center is an important part of our strategy to provide excellent patient care to residents of Northeastern California and it is vital that we find the right fit for this critical leadership position,” said Ferando. Interviews continue for a permanent CEO.
