01/14/2008

(Las Vegas, NM)- Healthcare executive Richard Grogan has been named chief executive officer of Alta Vista Regional Hospital (AVRH), effective January 28.

Grogan is no stranger to AVRH or the Las Vegas Community. From 2003 through 2005 he served as the hospital’s chief nursing officer and associate CEO. “We certainly welcome Richard back to Alta Vista. He knows the people, is familiar with the hospital and the community, and has a great reputation,” said Wayne Sonchar, chairman of the hospital’s Board of Trustees.

“My wife Nancy and I are thrilled to be returning to a community and hospital we love,” said Grogan. “This is a wonderful hospital with an outstanding employee team and medical community. I look forward to working with the leadership, employees and physicians to take the hospital to the next level.”

For the past two years Grogan served as CEO of Big Bend Regional Medical Center in Alpine, TX. While there, his success in strengthening the clinical and operational stability of the hospital included a replacement plan to update the imaging technology, increased access to physicians through recruiting new doctors, and expanding ER physician staffing and general surgery coverage to 24/7. Under his leadership, Big Bend gained improvements in physician and employee satisfaction surveys as well as strong inpatient and ER satisfaction surveys.

"I am honored to serve as the CEO of Alta Vista," said Grogan. "It’s a new facility with so many state-of-the-art services, and it’s exciting to have the opportunity to lead the next wave of Alta Vista’s successes and connections with the community,” he said.

Richard has more than 30 years’ experience and has a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL.

“I can't say enough good things about Richard and his contributions to Big Bend,” Ralph Meriweather, Big Bend Regional Medical Center Board Chairman. “He's done a tremendous job and has been a true leader building solid relationships with the medical staff and in the community. Under Richard's leadership we've made great strides in building a strong employee base and positioning the hospital for future success. We wish him well in New Mexico.”