Jim Ferando, Banner Health Western Region president, has named Bob Edwards as the new chief executive officer for Banner Lassen Medical Center. Edwards has served since January 2008 as the CEO of Ogallala Community Hospital in Ogallala, Neb., another Banner Health facility. He will join the hospital team in Susanville on Monday, September 12th.
He replaces Liz Woodyard, who resigned as Banner Lassen’s CEO earlier this summer to assume a CEO role at a hospital in Alaska. Barbara Minick, associate administrator for Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Ariz., has been serving as interim CEO, and will return to Arizona after Edwards’ arrival.
“During his tenure at Ogallala Community Hospital, Bob has provided solid leadership, expanding services and healthcare partnerships, recruiting new physicians to the area, and ensuring a focus on the patient experience throughout the facility,” Ferando said.
“In addition, he has been an active member of the Ogallala community, serving as a board member for the Economic Development team, board member for the Rotary Club, active member of the Chamber of Commerce, graduate of the local chamber leadership class, and active member of his church. I know he will be an excellent fit for the Banner Lassen role and a wonderful addition to the Susanville community.”
Edwards began his healthcare career as an on-the-job trained respiratory aide. He received his bachelor of science in respiratory therapy, became a registered respiratory therapist, and then worked as a neonatal transport therapist in a NICU, where he eventually became a department manager. His willingness to accept additional responsibilities then allowed Edwards to direct five total departments. His advancement in the leadership ranks led to CEO roles for more than 20 years in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Edwards holds a Master’s in Business Administration, with a specialty in Health Care Administration, and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“I am really excited about the opportunity to work with the outstanding team at Banner Lassen Medical Center,” Edwards said. “I am ready to build on a team that will continue to take the facility through the next steps toward even higher clinical excellence. The employees and physicians at BLMC have already demonstrated their commitment to providing a positive patient experience for all those in the Susanville area, and I know that the actions and behaviors I exhibit in the community will be reflective of how the hospital is perceived by community members.”
Edwards will be joined in Susanville by his wife Julie, a stay-at-home mom, and two daughters still at home. An older son is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln with a focus in Pre-Law.
