After nearly four years with Verde Valley Medical Center, President and CEO Dr. James Bleicher is calling it quits.
Bleicher will vacate his post at the end of 2012. Recruitment efforts to fill the position have already begun, according to a Sept. 14 press release. In the meantime, VVMC Vice President Barbara Dember will serve as interim hospital CEO should a permanent replacement not be found before the end of December.
Bleicher will remain at the center long enough to fulfill his current contract and maintain the day-to-day operations, VVMC Governing Board Chairman Richard Cranmer said.
“One of the true talents of a leader is his ability to develop people. Dr. Bleicher has done just that, and we are extremely fortunate,” Cranmer said.
While Bleicher was unavailable for comment, he said in the Sept. 14 press release he is dedicated to seeing the hospital move forward in a positive direction after his departure.
“It is truly an outstanding hospital that is dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities it serves. I am confident that the hospital is in good hands and will continue to excel in every area. The hospital’s board, leadership team, physicians, nurses and every employee are focused on providing patients with nothing less than excellence,” Bleicher said.
For the full story, see the Wednesday, Sept. 26, edition of The Camp Verde Journal or the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
