Hospital appoints new CEO

MAT-SU -- Valley Hospital, one of the largest and fastest-growing employers in the Valley, has been without a permanent CEO since George Larson's resignation on May 31. However, a June 22 decision on the part of their board of directors should change that fact.

The board recently accepted the recommendations of physicians, managers and board members and voted unanimously to appoint Norman Stephens as Chief Executive Officer of Valley Hospital. Stephens is expected to assume the CEO responsibilities in August, but will begin interacting with the organization well before his arrival.

Stephens comes to the hospital from Pampa Regional Medical Center in Pampa, Texas, where he has served as CEO for the last three years. In Pampa, he established an outstanding record by creating satisfied physicians, staff and patients, according to a press release fromValley Hospital. His accomplishments there included increasing the active medical staff by 39 percent in two years through recruitment, improving physician satisfaction with the hospital to 100 percent, and increasing the overall staff satisfaction scores to 93 percent positive.

Stephens's past record is equally impressive. Prior to Pampa, Stephens served as Network Administrator of the Lutheran Health Network and CEO of the Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne, Ind. There, he participated in the planning and construction of Dupont Hospital and Lutheran Children's Hospital. "Mr. Stephens comes from a clinical background and perspective and is very strong on communication," said Wagoner, who has been serving as interim CEO for the hospital during the last month.

Stephens is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work both in Alaska and with the growing hospital, he said. "I cannot imagine any greater opportunity or privilege than to be part of such an important phase in Valley Hospital's development. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's my dream vocation in my dream location."

Stephens holds a Master's of Public Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from California State University and a BS in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University.

Though hailing from California originally, Mr. Stephens lived in Kenai, during his high school years.

"It is my belief that Norman Stephens will enhance our knowledge and skills while also learning and respecting some of our culture and values," Wagoner said. "It will be a great opportunity for us and him to learn and grow for the very best healthcare, healthcare facility, and healthcare workplace in the area and especially in our community."

Stephens replaces former CEO George Larson, who resigned on May 31 to, "engage in a new opportunity to develop yet another healthcare venture." Larson was a major player in Valley Hospital's recent partnership with Triad Hospitals, Inc., a national health-care and hospital provider, in order to build a new $87.7 million hospital at the junction of the Parks and Glenn Highways.

Larson announced his resignation during the last days of February, after which Triad promptly initiated a search for a new CEO. During the process, said a press release from the company, candidates from both inside and outside of the Triad system were considered for the position. During the interview process, Mr. Stephens met with numerous Valley Hospital constituencies, including the Board of Trustees, Medical Executive Committee, Physician Leadership Group, Executive Team and Department Managers. These groups then formally recommended Mr. Stephens to the Valley Hospital Board of Directors, the appointing body.

Rick Johnson, Vice Chair of the board, voiced his support for the decision. "On behalf of the board of directors, we appreciate the community's support in welcoming Norman and his family to our hospital and to our community."

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.