Jensen resigns from Kittitas Valley Community Hospital

Eric Jensen notified the Board of Commissioners of Kittitas Valley Community Hospital (KVCH) on Wednesday of his resignation as chief executive officer. Jensen has accepted a position as CEO at The Regional Hospital for Respiratory and Complex Care in Seattle.

 

Jensen has been Chief Executive Officer of Kittitas County Public Hospital District No. 1 and KVCH since December 1995. His departure date from KVCH is still being negotiated.

 

“Under Eric’s leadership KVCH has made dramatic achievements,” said Jack Baker, president of the five-member Board of Commissioners. “He has overseen major renovation and remodeling; and he has maintained a positive bottom line, while always focusing on high quality medical services for our patients.”

“This was a very difficult decision,” said Jensen. “I was not looking for a new position when I was approached by the Regional Hospital, but it offers a new challenge and this seems like the right time to make such a move for my family. I am confident that I am leaving KVCH in a strong position that is uncommon among many rural hospitals in Washington.”

Jensen added, “At KVCH I have been privileged to work with an outstanding Board and management team. I have also never worked with a more committed, caring and competent group of employees in my career.”

The Regional Hospital for Respiratory and Complex Care is a long-term acute care hospital, which receives patients from hospitals throughout the Pacific Northwest.

According to Baker, the Board of Commissioners will meet as soon as possible to determine the next steps it will take, including the naming of an interim CEO and a process for recruiting the individual to fill that role on a permanent basis. “We believe that KVCH is in a strong position and that we should be able to attract excellent candidates,” said Baker.