Skagit Regional Health President and CEO Steps Down

Mount Vernon, Washington– Skagit Regional Health President and Chief Executive Officer Gregg Davidson announced today that after 37 years he has decided to step down from his position.

 

Mr. Davidson says he will end his employment on December 31st, 2016 and will continue his role as Chair of the Washington State Hospital Association Board for the remainder of his term, ending in October of 2016. Mr. Davidson became CEO in 2004.

In a memo to Hospital Staff, released by the Union, Mr. Davidson wrote  he is “very satisfied and proud of this outstanding, highly successful organization where I have spend the past 37 years. I have so many fond memories of the amazing people I have had the pleasure to work with and what we have been able to accomplish. The commitment, dedication and growth of our medical community and services has been amazing. It takes a strong team and I was gratified to lead this team”

The letter continues, “we have grown in many ways since 2004, my first year as CEO. I am most proud that we have maintained our mission and commitment of being a safety net hospital and health care system, providing excellent care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Mr. Davidson also wrote that “The amazing community support of our mission is evidenced by our large volunteer program, our guilds and auxiliaries and our Foundations.”

Mr. Davidson wrote “I now looks forward to taking some much-needed time off and to re balance my life towards my family. Lea and I are excited about the next chapter of our lives. The timing is excellent as it also comes at a natural transition for Skagit Regional Health as a large integrated health system, with two hospitals, a large clinic system and the Graduate Medical Education Program that will continue to grow.”

He ends his letter with ” We have made a difference and as we look forward, our commitment to a strong health care system, advancing medicine and collaboration to contribute to a healthier community will continue to be the legacy.”

According to the Skagit Regional Health Website, Mr.  Davidson took on the leadership role as Superintendent of Skagit Valley Hospital in January 2003 and became Chief Executive Officer in January 2004. Gregg now serves as Chief Executive Officer of Skagit Regional Health which includes Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Regional Clinics and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics. Gregg holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington and a Master’s of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

Davidson is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a board-certified healthcare executive. He is currently the chairman of the Washington State Hospital Association Board. He currently serves as the interim Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives. He recently served as a delegate to the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board and completed a full term as Regent to ACHE. He is currently also a member of the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, a board member of the Washington State Healthcare Executive Forum, and chairman of the Higher Education Committee of ACHE. He has spent more than 35 years with Skagit Regional Health.

 

Effective immediately, operational control of Skagit Regional Health will transfer to Mike Leipman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  According to the Skagit Regional Health Website,  Mike Liepman joined Skagit Regional Health as Chief Operating Officer in June 2012. Liepman’s experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer at Valley General Hospital in Monroe; Vice President of Guest Services and Facilities for the Franciscan Health System in Tacoma; and he spent 25 years in Spokane as Chief Operating Officer at Empire Health Services and Chief Executive Officer for Valley Hospital and Medical Center. Liepman is a graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting and received a Master of Health Science from Whitworth College in Spokane. He is a diplomat in the American College of Healthcare Executives.