Pioneers Announces New CEO

The board of trustees of Pioneers Medical Center has appointed Ken Harman as the hospital’s new chief executive officer(“CEO”). Mr. Harman’s first day will be October 4, 2010.

Overall Harman has over 20 years of healthcare experience. Prior to this position, Harman was CEO with Cassia Regional Medical Center, a Critical Access Hospital in Burley, Idaho. He has held administrative positions in the Sutter Health System. And he received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, and his Master’s of Health Care Administration (MHA) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Board President Tom Allen said, “Harman brings a wealth of hospital experience to this position, and is committed to making physician, patient and employee satisfaction a high priority. Quorum Health Resources (“QHR”) conducted a national search for this position, and worked closely with us to identify the right candidate for our hospital and community. The Board of Directors, Medical Staff, employees and members of the community who met Ken agreed that he is a good fit for the community and is like minded with his commitment to the physicians, the hospital staff, and the community.”

Dr. Albert Krueger, Chief of the Medical Staff, remarked, “The medical staff is impressed with Ken’s commitment to patient safety and quality. We look forward to working with him and continuing to move the hospital in a positive direction.”

“I am excited to be given the opportunity to come and work at Pioneers Medical Center, said Harman. “Pioneers has a long history of providing compassionate patient care to the residents of Meeker and Rio Blanco County. I am excited to be able to help improve upon that wonderful foundation. My passion in healthcare is in working with physicians, nurses and other clinicians to improve care and to move towards best practice medicine.”

Harman with his wife, Leslie, and four of their six children will be moving to the Meeker area. (The older two children have already graduated.) They are looking forward to becoming a part of the community, schools, and hospital team. Harman was raised in rural Salt Lake County and he and his wife enjoy raising their children in rural environments. They are excited with all of the outdoor recreational opportunities that Meeker offers.

“Ken Huey has been serving as interim hospital CEO for the past six months and we are grateful for his devoted leadership during this transition,” said Allen.