CEO Search Update - 3/9/11

December 31, 1969

The VCHS Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, March 8 with BryanLGH Health System recruiters to finalize the CEO interview process.  In addition, the Board appointed Bill Luke to the position of Interim CEO, effective immediately.  The transition to the new Interim CEO is part of the recruiting process.  It was recommended by BryanLGH that this approach be taken to help acclimate the new CEO to the facility and to assist the employees with the transition.  BryanLGH will be providing extra support during the next several weeks during the interview process and transition to the selected CEO.  

Luke started his healthcare career at Good Samaritan Health Systems in Kearney where he held the position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for nearly 20 years.  He has served as interim and acting CEO at the Kearney hospital during vacancies.  Since 2005, Luke has been in several interim healthcare executive roles and is President, Founder and Lead Consultant for Luke and Associates, Inc. based in Kearney. 

"We are pleased that BryanLGH was able to offer Bill as an interim CEO.  He has the experience and skills to work with our medical staff, hospital management team and the Board to keep Valley County Health System moving forward during this time of transition," Board Chair Kara Fischer stated.

BryanLGH Health System was hired in January 2011 to assist with the recruitment of a new CEO.  Since that time, the Board has defined the role, qualities and qualifications of a new CEO and developed the interview process. 

The recruiters' recommended six candidates and the board narrowed the number to four for interviews.  The interviews will be held at the end of March and first part of April.  A total of 31 candidates have applied for the CEO position and applications are still being accepted. 

The Board of Trustees would like to express their gratitude to Joyce Seward for accepting the Interim CEO position last May.  She led the hospital through the completion of the construction and information technology projects and the Board greatly appreciates her hard work and leadership during the past nine months.