More leadership changes are in store for Vancouver-based PeaceHealth after the departures of another two top leaders — one after less than three months on the job.
Dr. Michael Murphy was appointed to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief medical officer this spring. He started at PeaceHealth on June 15 and was to work with Victoria King, the system’s first chief nursing officer, to lead the areas of clinical care, quality, safety and patient experience.
PeaceHealth officials did not provide further details about Murphy’s departure. An Aug. 26 announcent said that Murphy had “left PeaceHealth.”
In an internal announcement, Chief Operating Officer Beth O’Brien said the health system was beginning an immediate national search for his replacement.
PeaceHealth officials also announced the departure of Gordon Edwards, the health system’s vice president of finance and chief financial officer of the Columbia Network, which includes PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.
“I’ve appreciated the opportunity to serve our communities and PeaceHealth,” Edwards said in an internal announcement. “I’m proud of the accomplishments of the finance team over the past 2 1/2 years, and I’ve enjoyed working with each member of the team. It’s an exciting time in the health care industry, and I wish the organization great success.”
Edwards’ last day was Friday. He accepted a job with Marshfield Clinic Health System in Wisconsin, where he will serve as chief financial officer beginning Sept. 28.
The announcements are the latest in a string of executive departures that began this spring.
In April, PeaceHealth announced the departures of four top administrators, including the top two leaders at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center — Sy Johnson, chief executive officer and chief mission officer of the Columbia Network, and Joanne Olsen, chief administrative officer and chief nursing officer for the network.
In May, PeaceHealth announced it eliminated the PeaceHealth Medical Group chief executive officer position.
Earlier this month, PeaceHealth announced the hiring of a new president and chief executive officer. Elizabeth “Liz” Dunne will take the helm Nov. 1, replacing Alan Yordy, who retired in June.
