CONFLUENCE HEALTH SELECTS NEW CEO

Confluence Health recruited a new Chief Executive Officer, ending a six-month nationwide search. The selection for the 501(c)(3) non-profit health system was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors representing both physicians and community members.

The Board of Directors provides governance for Confluence Health, Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus and Clinics, and Confluence Health Hospital | Mares Campus and Clinics, and includes nine community board members and six physician board members. Confluence Health serves the largest geographic region of any healthcare system in Washington State, covering over 12,000 square miles of Okanogan, Grant, Douglas, and Chelan counties with 3,758 employees in 12 communities. Confluence Health is one of only two locally led non-public hospital district healthcare systems in the state. Confluence Health is proud to maintain availability and access to high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services for North Central Washington.

The CEO search and recruitment was led by board members. “The board wanted to ensure the next CEO had both experience and character to support the Confluence Health mission. Dr. Andrew Jones has the expertise and commitment to meet the diverse and growing needs of our rural four counties,” said Doug Shae, Chairman of the Board for Confluence Health. Jones served as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Vice President of Medical Affairs of SLC Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colorado, providing leadership for a 350-bed Level II trauma center.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the team at Confluence Health,” said Jones, “Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group have a proud history and a bright future, and will continue to provide excellent care and service to the region. My family and I look forward to becoming part of this wonderful community.”

“The Wenatchee Valley Medical Group (WVMG), and affiliated physicians of Confluence Health, are excited to welcome Dr. Jones as the next CEO of Confluence Health,” said Dr. Mitchell Garrison, Chairman of the WVMG Board. “As a family physician, Dr. Jones understands delivery of complex medical care in a rural environment, is passionate about providing a high level of medical care, while ensuring sustainable financial performance, promoting health equity, and serving as a compassionate leader to stressed healthcare workers. WVMG continues to be committed to the shared leadership of our healthcare system and we know Dr. Jones will be a valued partner, leader, and visionary.”

Dr. Jones will assume the role currently held by Dr. Peter Rutherford who has served as CEO since 2012. Jones and his wife, Ronya Anna, will move to North Central Washington next month after his two children finish school.