CHN Announces New CEO Virginia Razo

GOLD BEACH, OR (March 31, 2015) - Curry Health Network today announced Virginia "Ginny" Razo will be joining the organization on May 4 as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Interim CEO Wayne Hellerstedt.

Razo most recently served as Interim CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System in Truckee, Calif., one of the most prestigious critical access hospital systems in the United States. Prior to being Interim CEO, she was Chief Operating Officer for seven years and Chief of Ancillary Services for five years at Tahoe Forest.

Razo holds a Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Ala., and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be joining Curry Health Network (CHN) and to serve the coastal communities of southern Oregon with a team of dedicated staff and medical providers," said Razo. "While my husband Richard and I were visiting Gold Beach, the sense of community pride and excitement about the future of CHN was palpable. Our family is so excited to be joining the community and organization in May."

"Ginny understands small hospitals and rural communities and will be an excellent fit for Curry Health Network and our communities," said Hellerstedt.

"More than 30 applicants vied for the position," said Gary Anderson, Board Chair of Curry Health District. "There were many highly qualified individuals interested, and after a comprehensive selection process lasting several months, the Board unanimously selected Ginny as the best candidate."

"Ground-breaking for a replacement Curry General Hospital is expected within the next few weeks, and Curry Medical Center in Brookings is in the process of adding emergency medical care within the next several months," said Hellerstedt. "Ginny has the knowledge, expertise, background and energy level necessary to see Curry Health Network through this critical time, and in the future throughout our continued growth," he continued.

Curry Health Network is comprised of Curry General Hospital, Curry Medical Practice and Shore Pines Assisted Living in Gold Beach; Curry Family Medical in Port Orford; and Curry Medical Center, Rush Surgery Center and Brookings Psychiatry in Brookings.