White River Health (WRH) President and CEO Gary Paxson has announced his resignation to pursue another career opportunity.
According to a release from the organization, Paxson (pictured above, left), who has been CEO since 2018, will leave White River Health next month after transitioning responsibilities.
Paxson joined the organization in 2012 as the chief information officer and held various other executive roles before being selected as CEO in 2018.
“We are grateful for Gary’s service and contributions at WRH. We are particularly thankful for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we wish him well in his next venture,” said Kevin Rose, chairman of the WRH Board of Directors.
“The decision to accept a new position was not an easy one. The leadership, staff, and community were very welcoming to our family, and we will forever be grateful for the opportunities we experienced in Batesville,” said Paxson. “WRH is a wonderful organization I have had the privilege to serve for 12 years. I am confident that the dedicated board, leaders, and staff will continue to work diligently to serve local communities for years to come.”
The Board of Directors has selected Dr. Chris Steel (pictured above, right) to serve as the interim CEO as the search for a new CEO begins.
Dr. Steel has served as the director of anesthesia since joining WRH in 2011. During his tenure at WRH, he has also served as chief of staff and chief medical officer.
“We are pleased that Dr. Steel has agreed to serve as the interim CEO of WRH,” said Rose. “Dr. Steel’s roots are deep within the organization, as he was born at WRH and later returned to practice medicine. During his time at WRH, he has always stepped up when called upon and will carefully guide the organization and staff during this transition period.”
“WRH has been the leader of the healthcare needs of our communities and neighbors since 1976, and the nearly 1,700 individuals who work for the organization deliver quality care and improve the health of those we serve. That mission to provide quality healthcare continues as we carefully look to select the next leader of our impressive team at WRH,” Rose said.
Images: White River Health
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