People in Business
Gary Foster was hired as PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center’s new chief operating officer. Foster, who started on Oct. 1, previously worked at Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix, where he was a hospital administrator for eight years. While there, he led the hospital through an expansion; it grew from 48 beds to 317 beds. Foster also worked in nurse management at Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, Ariz. In his position at PeaceHealth, he will focus on increasing operational efficiencies and supporting the hospital’s Clinical Excellence initiatives. PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, 400 N.E. Mother Joseph Place, is a nonprofit, 450-bed hospital. For more information, visit www.peacehealth.org/southwest.
Darlene Kulla was hired as the executive director of Camp Hope of Southwest Washington in Battle Ground. She replaces Cheryl White, who had been the interim executive director since March. Kulla has been at the camp since it was established in 2012. Camp Hope, which sits on a 107-acre property owned by the Clark County Parks Department, was started as an effort to combat the rise in youth suicide and substance abuse. It serves as a location for youth to experience the outdoors in a safe place. Find out more at www.camphope-wa.org.
The Columbian welcomes submissions about Clark County residents or businesses, as well as regional business events. Information must be received by noon of the Tuesday preceding the intended Sunday publication date. Send to lyndsey.hewitt@columbian.com or fax 360-735-4540. Sales awards are not published.
