JACKSON, Wyo. —In a unanimous vote during a public board meeting today, Jeff Sollis was appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St. John’s Health (SJH) by the hospital’s Board of Trustees.
In July 2021, CEO William O. Wagnon resigned, just shy of six months into the role. The Board did not give a reason for Wagnon’s resignation. The vote was held after an executive session, which was closed to the public.
According to SJH, Sollis was identified as the ideal leader to guide St. John’s based on his deep professional experience and extensive existing relationships within the SJH medical community.
Currently, Sollis serves as Chief Executive Officer at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) in Idaho Falls, ID.
“Jeff leads an exceptionally strong regional health system that has supported St. John’s Health as a steadfast partner for decades,” said Board of Trustees Chair Cynthia Hogan. “He is a longtime trusted partner of many members of our management team and medical staff. Jeff is, quite simply, a star in the field of healthcare.”
A senior healthcare leader with more than 17 years of progressive experience and a proven track record in a national healthcare system, Sollis is known for building successful teams and delivering results. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, innovative program development and proficient problem solving and strong relationship-building skills. Before joining the team at EIRMC in 2014, Jeff’s experience in healthcare took him from Virginia to Colorado to Kansas and Utah. He earned his BA in Behavioral Science & Health at The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah and a Master of Health Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
The Trustees’ action follows a months-long, national search and comprehensive vetting process by an SJH-board-led search committee. Assisted by national search firm Korn Ferry and its HealthCare Services practice, the Search Committee began its work in January, reviewed 17 resumes vetted by Korn Ferry in June, interviewed seven candidates by Zoom in July, conducted personal interviews of four finalists in Jackson in August and completed a final round of additional confidential reference checks on the top candidate this week. More than 20 hospital managers, physician leaders and St. John’s Health Foundation board members also participated in the process to help evaluate fit with the values and culture of St. John’s Health and the community.
Sollis explained during the recruitment process that this move for him is very personal.
As an avid recreationalist, he has long loved the valley and the community and is motivated by a strong desire to serve the community’s healthcare needs through Teton County’s independent hospital. Jeff and his wife, Rachel, own a home in Victor, Idaho. Rachel’s background is in elementary education, and she intends to do that same work in Jackson or Teton Valley. They look forward to planting their roots permanently in the community.
