Gila Regional's Acting CEO Takes the Helm
Hel

Gila Regional has a long history in Grant County. In 1885 the Ladies Hospital
was established to provide quality healthcare to the people of the southwest
corner of the New Mexico Territory. These humble roots grew today's
county-owned Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC), according to a news release.
This week brought a new chapter in GRMC's journey. Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) Brian Bentley said farewell and acting CEO Brian Cunningham
takes the reins.
Chief Financial Officer Craig Stewart resigned as of October 2, Chief Information
Officer David Furnas resigned as of November 1, and most recently Chief
Nursing Officer/Chief Operations Officer Pam Fulks announces her resignation
as of October 4.
Brian Cunningham said that his leadership approach is rooted in "Service
Excellence." He is committed to and believes he is well prepared
for the opportunity of working with GRMC's Board of Trustees, and
involving caregivers, physicians and community in a collective effort
to help the organization despite the changes facing the healthcare industry.
He stated that it is the common goal of exceptional patient care that
brings everyone together as a team.
Cunningham enters this position ready to collaboratively move forward.
The first month will focus on restructuring GRMC leadership positions,
looking for qualified people for these positions and working with caregivers
and physicians to put into place an evidence-base framework to better
navigate the rapidly changing healthcare environment.
"The qualified people we need to fill these Leadership positions are
here in our hospital and community," stated Cunningham. "We
have a pool of skilled and committed people to choose from." This
approach will condense the search process to weeks rather than months.
Plus it will save the large cost of recruiting.
Cunningham spoke with the GRMC Community Collaborative Council on Friday,
August 2. The Council's host, Planetree Director Howie Morales stated,
"Quality of Life is a strong, stable hospital." Council member
Pricilla Lucero responded, "This is a step in the right direction
– taking care of our people."
In Gila Regional's long journey, this new leadership approach brings
the promise of a sustainable county-owned hospital that reflects the same
historical spirit of collaboration, stewardship, and drive for excellence.