Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia has announced a change in leadership, with an interim CEO taking over as the organization searches for a permanent leader. After three years at the helm, CEO Amy Carrier has stepped down following respectful discussions with the board of directors.
Thomas Nygaard, chairman of Centra’s board of directors, stated that the decision to change leadership was due to the ever-evolving nature of the healthcare industry. He pointed out that in past times, it was common for a CEO to remain in their position for decades but now new leadership is often needed to adapt to changes in healthcare landscape.
Richard Tugman, who previously served as Centra’s interim CEO for nine months in 2021, has been appointed as the new interim CEO during this transition period. Nygaard commended Tugman’s leadership skills and community respect and emphasized that he is the right person to lead Centra forward.
Despite this change in leadership, all ongoing projects under Centra’s modernization plan will continue as planned. This includes projects such as building a behavioral health and rehabilitation hospital and a new medical office building. Nygaard highlighted the importance of these projects for improving patient care at Centra.
With Tugman serving as interim CEO, Centra’s board of directors is taking their time before selecting a permanent leader without setting a specific timeline for their decision. They are confident that Tugman’s leadership will ensure a smooth transition while they search for someone new to lead Centra into the future.
