KV Healthcare

Your Home for Health

Michele Wurl

PUBLIC NOTICE – RFQ

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Request for Qualifications (RFQ)- Architectural Services for Nursing Home to Administrative Office Remodel (pdf)

Public Hospital District – Ellensburg, WA

Public Hospital District No. 1, located in Ellensburg, Washington, is inviting qualified firms to submit qualifications to be considered for the continuation of renovation and construction services for a medical facility originally constructed as a skilled nursing facility. The facility is approximately 21,000 square feet, with 10,500 square feet already renovated.

The scope of the project includes, but is not limited to:
– Completion of design development
– Code compliance updates
– Space planning
– Interior finish selection
– Construction oversight
– Expansion of existing parking in accordance with city ordinance
– ADA access improvements

Approximately 50% of remodeling work has been completed, including select mechanical and structural components. Geotechnical and infiltration reports are finalized, with SEPA and city parking permits currently in process.

Interested firms may obtain the full RFQ packet and submission instructions by contacting:

Wayne Tivis   
Public Hospital District No. 1 
(509) 933-8625
KVHContractorSubmissions@kvhealthcare.org

Proposal submissions are due by midnight on 5/30/25, and must comply with all instructions in the RFQ packet.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the process. This project is a public works project and subject to all applicable Washington State laws and regulations.

A Journey Towards Safer Healthcare: The Story of KVH’s Safety Committee

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In the bustling environment of Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH), safety is paramount—not just for patients but for the dedicated staff who work tirelessly within its walls. At the heart of ensuring a secure workplace is the Safety Committee, a group whose recent efforts have not only garnered them a prestigious award but have also sparked a renewed commitment to employee welfare. This is the story of their journey, as recounted by the committee members themselves.

Commitment to Safety

The Safety Committee has been instrumental in implementing strategies that reduce workplace hazards and promote a culture of vigilance. In 2023, KVH filed a total of 38 claims, with about 5 of these considered “near miss” incidents. The following year, 2024, saw a slight increase with 40 claims filed; however, 11 of these were classified as “near miss.” These numbers indicate an enhanced awareness and reporting culture within the organization, underscoring the committee’s success in fostering an environment where safety concerns are promptly addressed.

The proactive measures and continuous training programs initiated by the Safety Committee is designed to empower employees to identify and report potential hazards before they result in harm. This commitment to safety highlights KVH’s dedication to maintaining a workplace where staff feels protected and supported, ultimately contributing to better patient care and a more harmonious working environment.

Washington Hospital Services (WHS) Top Performer Program

The Washington Hospital Services (WHS) Top Performer Program is meant to capture best practices from WHS Member Hospitals as well as highlight those organizations that strive to continually improve their employee health and safety. The WHS Top Performer Program is open to all Washington Hospital Services Workers Compensation group members in good standing.

Nicole Hilderman, Trent Baker, Anahi Rodriguez, and Marlo Willis embarked on a project that stemmed from a suggestion by Mandee Olsen, KVH Chief Quality Officer. Mandee learned about an opportunity through the Washington Hospital Services (WHS). The project focused on enhancing safety protocols, specifically through root cause analysis.

Understanding Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

To strengthen their safety initiatives, the team turned to Root Cause Analysis (RCA), a proven method for identifying and addressing underlying risks. Initially, the team faced a crucial decision: whether to pursue the project, which could potentially earn them the Washington Hospital Services 2024 Top Performer award. However, the decision was clear—the project was not only an opportunity for recognition but also a chance to address gaps in their safety processes.

A Collaborative Effort for Safety Enhancement

The project required assembling a diverse team, including members from human resources and safety departments. Together, they reviewed existing processes and identified areas for improvement. As the project unfolded, the team began by examining the root cause of bloodborne pathogen exposure. However, they soon realized the importance of broadening their focus to investigate all types of workplace injuries, including near misses and potential hazards. This comprehensive approach aimed to create a safer environment for all employees, from medical staff to dietary workers.

Nicole Hilderman emphasized the importance of a safe workplace, saying, “Healthcare settings are a pretty high risk for injury and exposure. A safe workplace is an important service to provide.” The team’s collaboration was key, allowing them to divide tasks effectively and leverage each member’s unique skills.

Recognition and Motivation

In January 2025, the KVH team was recognized as a Top Performer.  As a result, they received a commemorative plaque, a cash award, and will be honored by the WSHA Board as a 2024 Top Performer at the annual WSHA Conference.  The group hopes to use the awarded funds to enhance the visibility of KVH’s Safety Committee members and the impact and effectiveness of the committee.

Earning the Top Performer award was a milestone, but for KVH, it was just the beginning of an even stronger commitment to workplace safety. The recognition served as a catalyst for further innovation and improvement within the hospital’s safety protocols. Trent Baker noted, “By identifying ways to reduce employee injuries, we create a safer work environment where our team feels supported and can focus on what they do best—caring for patients. When our employees stay healthy and on the job, they can serve patients more efficiently and effectively.”

Central to this success was the revitalization of the Safety Committee. By incorporating feedback from diverse perspectives, the committee fostered a culture of safety awareness and accountability. In the next month, we plan to launch an RCA toolbox, filled with commonly used terminology, forms/templates, and links to examples/case studies. If you are ever asked to participate in or are just curious about an RCA event, this would give you some insight into the process.

Trent Baker highlighted this effort, saying, “What we discovered is that we already had many of the necessary components—they were just scattered in different places. The idea behind the toolbox is to bring everything together into one unified location, making it easily accessible for everyone to reference and utilize.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the Safety Committee aims to continue its efforts in promoting a safe workplace. Plans include enhancing communication channels, providing ongoing education, and ensuring all employees feel comfortable reporting potential hazards. “Our vision for the safety committee, as we reevaluate it, is to truly amplify the employee voice,” said Nicole Hilderman. “We want to reach a point where we’re anticipating potential issues ahead of time and proactively preventing them before they happen.”

Marlo Willis added, “It’s just about exposing risk and it’s just for anybody to do it.” The ultimate goal is to create an environment where safety is a shared responsibility and where every employee feels valued and protected.

Conclusion

The Safety Committee’s story is one of collaboration, innovation, and dedication. Through their efforts, they have not only improved safety protocols but have also instilled a sense of pride and commitment among their colleagues. The committee is dedicated to continuously fostering a culture of safety and excellence, ensuring KVH remains a place where both patients and staff thrive.

“Bone Up on Bone Health” with Chelsea Newman, PA-C

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Upper Kittitas County Senior Center Hosts “Bone Up on Bone Health” with Chelsea Newman, PA-C

Cle Elum, WA – February 20, 2025 – The Upper Kittitas County (UKC) Senior Center is excited to announce a special “Bone Up on Bone Health Presentation” with KVH’s Family Medicine Cle Elum Physician Assistant Chelsea Newman, on March 18th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Center’s main hall.

During this month’s Community Talk, Chelsea Newman will provide valuable insights on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and fall prevention—two essential topics for older adults seeking to maintain and improve their bone strength and overall well-being. Chelsea will share practical tips for the diagnosis, pharmacological treatments and lifestyle recommendations for osteoporosis.

This presentation is free and open to the community, and we encourage all to attend. It will be a great opportunity to learn about strategies for staying active, healthy, and safe in everyday life.

Details of the Event:

  • Date: March 18, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Upper Kittitas County Senior Center, Main Hall, 719 E 3rd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
  • Speaker: Chelsea Newman, PA-C from KVH’s Family Medicine Cle Elum Clinic

The UKC Senior Center is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of older adults in our community, and we are pleased to offer this educational session as part of our ongoing programming.

For more information, please contact the UKC Senior Center at 509-674-7530.

About Upper Kittitas County Senior Center:
The Upper Kittitas County Senior Center is a community-based organization that provides a variety of programs, services, and activities for the Upper Kittitas County community. The Center is committed to enhancing all aspects and well-being of the lives of older adults through educational opportunities, social activities, and resources that promote health and well-being.

KVH Foundation Contributes Over $510,000 to Support KVH Departments and Patient Care

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Ellensburg, WA, December 12, 2024

Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) would like to thank The Foundation at KVH for its significant 2024 financial contributions to Kittitas Valley Healthcare departments, providing critical funding to enhance patient care and support essential services. With a total distribution of $510,938, these donations underscore the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare in our community.

This year’s contributions have enabled the acquisition of vital medical equipment, educational materials, and patient care resources. Highlights of the donations include:

  • Emergency Department: $3,113 for Stop the Bleed kits to enhance emergency preparedness.
  • Nutrition Department: $990 for diabetic nutritional education supplies to support patient education.
  • Family Birthing Place: $1,031 for team leadership materials to strengthen care for expectant families.
  • Cancer Support Group: $890 for community cancer support group materials, fostering connection and resilience.
  • OB/ED/OR: $40,350 for four Glidescopes to improve patient care during procedures.
  • Leadership Team: $5,750 for Valor Training and conference attendance, promoting professional growth.
  • Home Health & Hospice: $18,686 for hospice patient materials and supplies to ensure compassionate end-of-life care.
  • Internal & Adult Medicine: $21,000 for a bladder scanner and supplies to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
  • KVH Imaging: $12,335 to fund mammograms for uninsured patients, advancing early detection of breast cancer.
  • TETWP (Tough Enough to Wear Pink): $702 for breast cancer awareness educational materials.
  • Medical/Surgical Nursing: $1,090 for training programs to elevate nursing expertise.
KVH Foundation

Additionally, The Foundation at KVH spearheaded a substantial $405,000 in 2024 funding for specialized medical equipment and advanced technology, including:

  • Family Medicine – Ellensburg: $10,300 for a bladder scanner.
  • Speech Therapy: $36,000 for a fiberoptic endoscope camera, enabling enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
  • OB/ED/OR: $82,000 for rapid transfusion and blood warming equipment to optimize critical care.
  • Orthopedics: $114,267 for a fracture table and $162,433 as a contribution toward the ARVIS Surgical Navigation System to advance orthopedic surgical precision.

These generous contributions exemplify The Foundation at KVH’s mission to improve healthcare services for the benefit of all.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Foundation at KVH for their unwavering support. These donations not only enhance the resources available to our departments but also reinforce our ability to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to our community,” said Jason Adler, CEO at KVH.

The Foundation at KVH continues to be a beacon of hope and a vital partner in driving innovation and excellence in healthcare for Kittitas Valley.  For more information about The Foundation at KVH and its initiatives, please visit https://www.kvhealthcare.org/foundation/ or contact Laura Bobovski at 509-933-8669.

2024.12.12 Foundation Distribution.pdf

Medicare Advantage Plans

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Medicare and Medicare Advantage can feel overwhelming to navigate. While the monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan might be lower, if you get sick, need to be hospitalized, have surgery, or require specialized care, you may end up paying more compared to Original Medicare with a supplement.

Unlike Original Medicare, which is widely accepted, Medicare Advantage plans usually work in a narrow network, with a limited number of specialists. Medicare Advantage plans direct you to only those doctors they have contracts with. These specialists may not be your first choice, or your doctor’s first choice, and may require you to travel significant distances for care that is available locally.

Another difference is that Original Medicare rarely requires prior authorization for services. With Medicare Advantage plans, the insurance company often requires approval for care before it can be scheduled. Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH), and many other healthcare providers, have found it difficult to get these approvals from the insurance company. Your care has a higher chance of being delayed or even denied, with Medicare Advantage. A 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG, 2022) found that many Medicare Advantage plans denied necessary medical services that should be covered under Medicare rules.

Finally, Original Medicare offers the same coverage nationwide. However, Medicare Advantage plans may only provide specific coverage in certain areas. If you move to a new area or travel outside your current service area, your Medicare Advantage plan might not have providers available.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15, 2024, to December 7, 2024. We encourage you to explore all your options, including returning to Original Medicare. While Kittitas Valley Healthcare is contracted with a few Medicare Advantage plans, we recommend that our Medicare-eligible patients choose Original Medicare with a good supplemental insurance plan.
Selecting the right Medicare plan can be complicated and confusing, but there are excellent insurance brokers in Ellensburg who can help. We suggest using a local medical insurance broker for any questions you may have.
You can also find assistance by navigating to: www.insurance.wa.gov/about-shiba-services.

KVH is committed to providing health care services to all persons in need of medical attention regardless of ability to pay. You can find our full Financial Assistance Policy on our website at www.kvhealthcare.org. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Patient Financial Services Department at 509.933.8657. Thank you for choosing KVH at Your Home for Health.

Michele Wurl
Kittitas Valley Healthcare
Chief Communications Officer

KVH CEO to retire

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After over eight years of dedicated service to KVH and Hospital District #2, our CEO, Julie Petersen, has informed the Board of her intention to retire at the end of 2024. Julie first joined KVH as interim Chief Executive Officer in June 2016 and was appointed permanent CEO in March 2017.

During her time here, we have more than doubled the asset value of the Hospital District, bringing on more resources, equipment, and facilities to serve our county. Our Hospital services have expanded with the addition of a 24-hour outpatient retail pharmacy, the 4th Trimester Resource Center, in-patient dialysis, the “Ouchless” ER, and Digital Mammography. Many new clinic services have also opened during Julie’s tenure. These include the integration of behavioral health services in our primary care clinics, Cardiology, Dermatology, ENT & Allergy, expanded Physical Therapy, Neurology, Pediatrics, Vascular Surgery, Workplace Health, Wound Care, and the Rapid Access Clinic.

Despite declining payments, our operating revenue has increased by 87% and, in 2024, KVH will provide our communities with family wages and benefits totaling more than 79 million dollars. She was and is committed to maintaining a thriving health care system in our rural setting.

Julie’s commitment to the well-being of this community has been steadfast, and her leadership has left a lasting impact. Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Julie for her years of dedication and service to KVH and Kittitas County.

As you know, KVH is a unique organization—publicly owned, rural, and proudly independent. Unlike many rural healthcare systems that have merged with or been acquired by larger systems, our mission remains solely to serve the people of Kittitas County. We are not beholden to outside investors, and the decisions that shape our future are made right here, by people who care deeply about the health and well-being of this community.

Being independent presents its own set of financial and regulatory challenges, particularly in a rural setting where patient volume is lower, costs can be higher, and reliance on government payers is significant. These challenges are impacting rural hospitals across the country, but we are confident in KVH’s future because of the strength and dedication of this team.
As we prepare for 2025 and beyond, we know that we need a leader with a deep understanding of healthcare finance, particularly in the context of critical access hospitals like ours. We are pleased to share that we have found that leader in Jason Adler and have entered negotiations with him to be our next Chief Executive Officer.

Jason has been with KVH since 2014, beginning his journey with us as a Financial Analyst and most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer. He brings extensive experience in healthcare finance and reimbursement and has played a pivotal role in our rural networks. Jason shares the Board’s vision of continued growth and expanded access to healthcare services. He and his family are deeply committed to Kittitas County, and they look forward to raising their children in this community. We are confident that Jason is the right person to lead KVH into the future.
We thank each of you for your continued hard work and dedication.

Sincerely,
Matt Altman, President
KVH Board of Commissioners

Healthy Habits: Healthcare is evolving to meet the needs of patients

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Written by: Michele Wurl, Chief Public Relations Officer at Kittitas Valley Healthcare

As healthcare demands rise, organizations like Kittitas Valley Healthcare are developing innovative models to serve communities more effectively.

The Partnering Physician Model is one such innovation, designed to address the shortage of healthcare providers while enhancing patient care.

This model centers on a team of physicians and Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs), including Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, collaborating to care for patients.

In addition to the Partnering Physician Model, Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) has implemented community-based care programs, specifically tailored for those unable to visit traditional healthcare settings. These programs provide support to some of the most medically complex homebound or home-limited patients in society. These patients typically have no continuous follow-up care, which continues the cycle of poor health management and is even more expensive and exhaustive for patients and their caregivers.

For family caregivers, it brings support and peace of mind. Caregivers often say that it is very reassuring to know that a caring home-based primary care provider is one phone call away, versus having to call 911. In Kittitas County, the community-based care programs include Home-Based Primary Care, Home Health, and Hospice care.

Home-Based Primary Care brings medical services directly to home-bound patients at their personal residence, or in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, or adult family homes. This program covers a range of services from managing chronic conditions to end-of-life counseling, emphasizing continuity of care. It is a lifeline for vulnerable patients, ensuring they receive comprehensive medical care despite their limitations.

Home Health is another essential program, offering treatments and rehabilitation to homebound patients as ordered by their primary care provider. This service helps patients recovering from surgeries, accidents or chronic illnesses regain independence.

The Home Health team includes registered nurses, home health aides, and therapists, who work together to offer various services such as medication management, physical therapy and patient education. With 24/7 on-call nursing, patients and their caregivers can rely on constant support.

Hospice Care rounds out KVH’s community-based offerings, focusing on patients with terminal illnesses. This compassionate service emphasizes palliative care and enhancing the patient’s quality of life in their final days.

Hospice care also provides critical support to families, including bereavement counseling, spiritual care and respite services. The multidisciplinary team approach ensures that patients and their loved ones are cared for holistically, with services that range from pain and symptom management to spiritual support.

These programs reflect KVH’s commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the community. By bringing care directly to patients, KVH alleviates some of the pressures faced by traditional healthcare facilities, while ensuring that vulnerable populations continue to receive high-quality, personalized care.

As the healthcare landscape continues to change, innovative models like the Partnering Physician approach and community-based programs will be essential in addressing the growing demand for medical services. KVH is leading the charge in Kittitas County, showing how healthcare can evolve to meet the needs of patients wherever they are.

Celebrating Public Hospital Districts during Hospital Week

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Written by: Michele Wurl, Chief Public Relations Officer at Kittitas Valley Healthcare

Your access to high quality healthcare should not depend on where you choose to live. In the last decade, more than 100 rural hospitals in the U.S. have closed.  Another 700, 30% of remaining rural hospitals, are at risk of closure.  Many, many more have been acquired by multistate hospital systems, private equity firms, or other for-profit companies.  Rural communities that lose their hospitals not only lose access to care, but they forfeit the economic vitality and many family-wage jobs. Rural communities that lose control of their local hospital find that governance, the ability to determine which services will be available, and how earnings will be reinvested are outsourced to national headquarters. 

Washington state is unique for the number of independent, community hospitals that continue to serve rural residents.  That’s because fifty-six communities in Washington State take advantage of a WWII-era statute that allows for the creation of Public Hospital Districts (PHDs).  These communities made a choice and investment to keep quality care local. Residents of Ellensburg made that choice in 1960 when they voted to form Kittitas County Public Hospital District 1, now operating at Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH). In 1969, Upper County voted to form Kittitas County Public Hospital District 2. For sixty years, KVH has been on the forefront of protecting Kittitas County’s community health.  As the only hospital in Kittitas County, KVH is responsible for the well-being of over 44,000 residents who call this valley home and for the millions of visitors who pass through.  Hospital District 2 operates the Medic One ambulance service, providing the only licensed advanced life support paramedics to all Upper Kittitas County, from Snoqualmie Pass to Elk Heights.

Back in 1960, the hospital was the hospital, and primary care was provided by small, private practices scattered around the hospital and throughout the community. Today most physicians choose to become employees of hospitals, health systems, or large groups, and Kittitas County is no different.  Like the rest of the country, we grapple with healthcare access.  This shortage is worse in rural areas and undermines the well-being of rural residents. Public hospital districts stand as unique champions for community-centric healthcare and prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. As nonprofit organizations, every dollar earned goes to answer the needs of the community. By pooling resources and leveraging community partnerships, these districts bridge healthcare gaps, ensuring that essential services are within reach for all residents. Moreover, they foster a sense of ownership and accountability, empowering communities to shape their healthcare futures.

The governing board of a public hospital district is elected by the district’s residents.  These elected board members are responsible for the oversight of the operations of PHDs.  The board is responsible for strategic direction, setting policies, approving budgets, and representing the interests of the community in healthcare matters.  Board members uphold the principles of accountability and stewardship.  Throughout this process, transparency, public participation, and adherence to legal requirements are crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the publicly elected board.

Public hospital districts make a tangible contribution to the community’s health and economic vitality. PHDs tailor programs and services to address the unique healthcare needs of the residents, from preventive care to specialized treatments. By fostering partnerships with local providers and organizations, the district can create a robust healthcare ecosystem that fosters wellness and resilience.

The benefits of a public hospital district extend far beyond the realm of healthcare. By bolstering the local economy and attracting skilled healthcare professionals, it spurs economic growth and job creation, laying the groundwork for a thriving community.

From May 12 to 18, communities around the country are celebrating Hospital Week, when we honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of hospitals and healthcare workers to their communities.  This is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and hard work of healthcare professionals. These individuals, including doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, and support staff, play a vital role in delivering quality care and saving lives every day.

Hospital Week is also a time to thank our community for creating Kittitas County’s two hospital districts.  On behalf of the healthcare professionals and staff, I extend heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. We recognize and appreciate the trust you have placed in us as we work towards the shared goal of enhancing healthcare delivery and promoting wellness for all.  As we move forward, we remain dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for the people of Kittitas County.

KVH transitions to a new Chief Nursing Officer

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73 years of combined nursing experience will help KVH transition to a new Chief Nursing Officer

After forty six years as a nurse, KVH Chief Nursing Officer Vicky Machorro has decided that come Spring 2023, it’s time to stop setting an alarm clock and start enjoying more free time with her family.  The good news for KVH is that through an intentional succession planning strategy, there will be a smooth transition to a familiar face.  Dede Utley, BSN, RN, CEN and Nursing Director of KVH Emergency Services since 2015, will become the next KVH CNO upon Vicky’s retirement in April.

Vicky has a long and storied career at KVH.  Starting as a per diem ICU staff nurse, Vicky moved where the organization and her peers needed her most.  From House Supervisor, to ICU and MedSurg Director, to ED/Urgent Care Supervisor and then finally, Chief Nursing Officer in 2016, Vicky never hesitated to face a new challenge and support her team.  When looking back over the last forty-six years Vicky takes great pride in starting and ending her career at KVH.

While Vicky began contemplating retirement, Dede was looking for ways to advance her career.  Deeply invested in Kittitas County through her work on The Kittitas County Board of Health, Kittitas County Behavioral Health and Recovery Advisory Board, Kittitas County Health Network and Kittitas County Court Advocates for Children, Dede wanted to remain in Ellensburg and approached Vicky asking what she could do to further her growth opportunities at KVH.  Soon, Dede made the decision to return to school and pursue her Masters in Nursing Administration. Additionally, Dede participated in a mentorship through the Northwest Organization of Nurse Leaders where she was paired with a nurse leader out of Portland to work together on improving leadership skills and supporting her staff.  It became clear to KVH leadership that not only would Dede’s skills and professional goals fill the future need for a CNO, she had the same vision and goals for the organization and her staff. There was no need to look elsewhere for the next CNO.

As Vicky and Dede face the excitement and nervousness of this upcoming transition, they recognize the apprehension that staff may also be feeling and are committed to continuity and a smooth transition. “We are advocates for nursing and patient goals,” stated Vicky.  “We want to assure the staff that we have shared goals that we don’t want to interrupt, we only want to enhance.  That is why we chose to go this route.  We’ve had DNS’s (Director of nursing services) come and go and come and go. This doesn’t change how you treat that patient at the bedside.  You do what you are trained to do.  Patient care is what it is all about.”  Dede emphatically agreed.

Over the next few months the focus is on hiring the right person to fill Dede’s role as the nursing director in the emergency department.  “We want to make sure the ED staff are taken care of,” stated Dede.  We are looking for someone who loves Emergency nursing, understands rural healthcare and the importance of working with our partners, and someone who is committed to our staff and our community. Dede continued, “We need to find someone who will jump in and help at any level.  They must be invested in our staff and our community. 

The background behind Vicky’s retirement and Dede’s appointment is another example of KVH’s dedication to leadership development and succession planning.  Dede’s advancement follows several other senior leaders (in addition to her predecessor) who were hired from within. Stacy Olea, Rhonda Holden, and Mandee Olsen all had established careers with KVH prior to taking on the responsibility of an executive position.   “KVH is proud of the internal talent that we have and is dedicated to leadership development and succession planning through various goals and initiatives,” states Manda Scott, Chief Human Resources Officer. If you have been following our highlighted new leaders throughout the past year or so, you will also know that we have a large cohort of new leaders from within KVH who deserve a big congratulations for their promotions into new leadership roles including

  • Tara Preciado, Revenue Cycle
  • Jason Adler, Senior Director of Financial Operations
  • Jessie Rasmussen, Clinic Manager
  • Colin Nebeck, Clinic Manager
  • Kimmie Greenwood, Director of Imaging
  • Katy Belotti, Director of Laboratory Services
  • Trent Baker, Engineering Manager

There are many additional success stories across the organization and opportunities for continued career development. The Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program is now accepting applications we and are exploring opportunities to expand training into other specialties.

If you have questions about specific initiatives or opportunities at KVH, please contact Manda Scott, CHRO, your manager or anyone in HR.