Peak Vista Announces Interim CEO (Photo) -02/14/25
PRESS RELEASE
February 14, 2025
Peak Vista Community Health Centers Appoints Interim CEO; Launches National Search for New Leader
Colorado Springs, Colo. -- The Board of Directors of Peak Vista Community Health Centers (Peak Vista) is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Eitel, J.D. as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Eitel will lead the organization during this transitional period as the Board of Directors conducts a national search for its next CEO.
Eitel brings a wealth of leadership experience to the interim role having been CEO of Memorial Health System in Colorado Springs and is familiar with the interim role having most recently served as Interim Chief Financial Officer for Diocese of Pueblo while a search for a permanent CFO was conducted. With a proven track record in navigating the complex financial landscape of health care, leading integrated care models across clinical and administrative teams, driving operational excellence and his pro bono legal aid for the underserved population, Eitel is poised to lead Peak Vista through this transition. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are so thankful and excited to have Richard Eitel take on this critical role in our organization as we continue to provide exceptional health care to those in our community facing access barriers," said Stella Hodgkins, chair of the Board of Directors. "We are confident that his leadership will help us continue the momentum established under the leadership of our previous CEO, Dr. Emily Ptaszek. He will be a tremendous support to our existing leadership team, allowing them continued success in their individual roles, as well as our staff and providers, bringing stability to the organization during this period of change."
"Having served on the Peak Vista board as Vice Chairperson, Richard is deeply invested in the health center mission. I have great faith in him and his ability to seamlessly lead our teams and Board through this transitional period. We look forward to partnering together during this time," said Dr. Emily Ptaszek, outgoing president and CEO. Ptaszek will remain part of the leadership team as outgoing CEO through March to help with the transition to Eitel.
"I've been deeply touched by the warm welcome from the entire team, and I'm excited to dive in. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Ptaszek to gain insights into the current health care landscape, explore ways to best support our dedicated teams and continue advancing the health center's mission -- one that plays a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of our community across the region," said Richard Eitel, interim president and CEO.
The Board is dedicated to finding a CEO who will continue the strategic progress made under our outgoing leader. A national search is currently underway through an external agency to find a permanent leader who will guide the organization into its next phase of growth and success.
"As with previous leadership, the next CEO will be someone who understands the challenges and opportunities facing the health care industry, as well as the unique needs of our organization and the communities we serve across the Pikes Peak region," said Hodgkins. "We are looking for a leader who can further strengthen our commitment to patient care, financial sustainability, workforce development, community engagement
and operational excellence."
Peak Vista remains focused on its mission to deliver exceptional care and support to its patients and their families. The Board of Directors and senior leadership team are committed to ensuring a seamless transition as Eitel assumes the role of interim CEO.
About Peak Vista Community Health Centers
Peak Vista Community Health Centers is a nonprofit organization providing exceptional health care to people facing access barriers through clinical programs and education. Celebrating over 50 years of community health service, Peak Vista offers primary medical, integrated behavioral health and dental care services. We proudly serve over 74,000 patients annually through 24 outpatient centers in Colorado's Pikes Peak and East Central regions. To learn more about Peak Vista, visit peakvista.org.
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