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Community Hospital CEO accepts position at York hospital
McCOOK, Neb.--Community Hospital President & CEO, Jim Ulrich, announced recently he has accepted an offer to become CEO for York General Health Care Services in York, Nebraska, beginning Oct. 31. He plans to remain in his position at Community Hospital until mid-October.
"A few weeks ago, my wife, Jamie, and I were invited to visit the community of York and to interview with York General, a successful Critical Access hospital with nearly 500 employees in eastern Nebraska," Ulrich said. "They were interested in me as a candidate to replace the retiring CEO, Chuck Schultz." A job offer followed early the next week, he said.
"This was a difficult decision but one that I feel is best for both personal and professional reasons," he added, saying he and Jamie will be much closer to his family, including his parents in Plattsmouth. His daughter, Sydney, is a senior at College of St. Mary's in Omaha. His son, Nathan, who will graduate from McCook next May, plans to attend college in eastern Nebraska. Stepson Tucker is currently a high school sophomore in Norton, Kansas. "All of our family is very excited about this opportunity," he said. "Professionally, I am a leader who thrives in organizations with potential, similar dynamics and challenges. As a successful organization full of future potential, York General provides a wonderful opportunity.
"We all know that opportunities present themselves in your life when you least expect them and, in this case, when you are not even looking," Ulrich said. "I have been blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to lead over the past ten years as President and CEO and 16 years overall, such a wonderful organization, full of excellent and passionate team members, with a strong foundation of core values supporting a fantastic culture, tremendous growth and success over the years, and a great path for the future. I will truly miss Community Hospital and the community of McCook, both of which will always have a special place in my heart," he went on to say.
Jim joined Community Hospital in June 2000 as Chief Financial Officer and advanced to Vice President Finance and Support in August 2002. In January 2006 he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. He became Community Hospital's fourth President when he succeeded Gary Bieganski in July 1, 2006.
Before he leaves Community Hospital, Ulrich has some specific tasks and projects he plans to complete. These include the transition of Troy Bruntz, Community Hospital Vice President of Finance & CFO, who has been appointed by the executive committee of the hospital board to Interim CEO, as well as working with the board on the recruitment of the next President and CEO for Community Hospital.
Jim has served the community of McCook and the healthcare industry including the McCook Economic Development Corporation, McCook Area Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Hospital Association, Heartland Health Alliance, and the Nebraska Healthcare Financial Association.