JACKSON, Wyo. — St. John’s CEO William O. Wagnon has resigned, just shy of six months into the role.
During a brief five-minute meeting this morning, July 26, the St. John’s Health Board of Trustees passed two motions. The first approved Wagnon’s resignation. The second approved David Robertson as interim CEO. Robertson is currently a board advisor.
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.
The Board, comprised of seven members, includes Chair Sue Critzer, Vice Chair Debby Hopkins, Secretary Cynthia Hogan, Treasurer C. Scott Gibson, Michael Tennican, Joe Albright and Dr. Bruce Hayse. All seven members were present during the meeting and voted unanimously to approve both motions.
“[We want to] move forward with clear focus on our overriding mission,” Critzer said in the meeting. “The past year has not been easy, staff handled the pandemic with the utmost respect and integrity. We are facing another crisis now [with a new surge], and our focus is on the community. The newly-appointed interim CEO is ready, eager, available, and present to begin.”
Board member Joe Albright called it “not an ideal situation,” but praised Robertson for his 30 years as a CEO at three other hospitals.
Wagnon replaced Dr. Paul Beaupre after Beupre retired. He took over the role Feb. 1.
The Board formally announced the leadership change in a press release issued today.
According to the release, Robertson is a Victor Idaho resident and has served as a board advisor to SJH for more than three years and has worked in healthcare management for more than 40 years.
“While this transition was unexpected, the board has absolute confidence in Dave,” Critzer said in a prepared statement included in the press release. “He has a long track record of hospital leadership and deep ties to the communities we serve. We are fortunate to be able to have Dave lead our organization at this time. He is uniquely qualified, and through his many years of involvement with SJH he understands the opportunities and complexities of our organization. He shares our deep appreciation for the contributions of our staff and their commitment to the quality care and service excellence that have earned St. John’s Health numerous national recognitions.”
“St. John’s Health and the Board of Trustees are excited and encouraged to have Dave lead our organization into our next chapter,” the press release said.
