Description

Chief Operating Officer to Join a Trusted Rural Healthcare System

The Opportunity:

Tamarack Health is seeking an accomplished, relationship-centered healthcare executive to serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Hayward Medical Center, a $100 million in net revenue locally led critical access hospital located in Hayward, Wisconsin.  The incoming leader will inherit an experienced, highly engaged leadership team and a strong record of performance.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO provides executive leadership and day-to-day operational accountability for the hospital. The COO is responsible for operational performance, quality and safety, patient experience, workforce engagement, access, growth and financial stewardship across a broad portfolio of the hospital, ambulatory, clinical and long-term care and support services. When the CEO is unavailable, the COO services as the senior point of contact for physicians, employees, community leaders and external partners. The COO will serve as a visible and trusted partner throughout the Hayward community, building relationships with local leaders, organizations and regional partners. The COO will work through a strong and experienced management team at Hayward Medical Center as well a productive partnership with the Ashland Medical Center COO. Together the two campus COOs will advance enterprise priorities, share resources and leading practices and strengthen operational consistency where it benefits patients and employees, while remaining responsive to the distinct needs of their respective communities.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished, forward-thinking, and collaborative, growth-oriented operations executive to join an outstanding, independent healthcare organization.  

The Ideal Candidate:

• A minimum of 15 years progressive healthcare leadership experience, including at least 10+ years at the Director level or above.
• Demonstrated success leading complex hospital or health system operations with responsibility for clinical and non-clinical functions.
• Experience in a rural, critical access, community-based or similarly resource-conscious healthcare environment is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should hold a nursing home administrator license or be willing and eligible to obtain licensure.
• Experience leading facility expansion, construction, primary care growth or external healthcare partnerships is desirable.
• Broad understanding of acute care, ambulatory, diagnostic, procedural, post-acute and support-service operations across the continuum of care.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, quality and patient-safety practices, and the market forces affecting rural healthcare.
• Analytical, data-informed decision-maker who can translate complex information into clear priorities and measurable action plans.
• Visible, approachable and highly relational leader who builds trust, communicates transparently and creates accountability without compromising collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop and retain strong leaders and to foster engagement, teamwork and continuous improvement among employees.
• Executive presence and communication skills necessary to work effectively with the CEO, Board, medical staff, employees, community partners and external stakeholders.

The Organization:

Hayward Medical Center is a not-for-profit, 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with $100M in annual net revenue that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, 24-hour emergency services, family birth center, primary care, specialty care, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, and surgical services. The organization has nearly doubled its volume in recent years, with continued annual growth of approximately 5 to 10 percent.

Tamarack Health is an independent,  non-profit health system serving communities across northern Wisconsin through its campuses in Ashland and Hayward, along with a network of primary care and specialty clinics. The system employes over 1,200 employees with approximately 150 providers, making it one of the region’s largest and most essential employers. Tamarack operates two critical access hospitals, each licensed for up to 25 acute care beds. In addition, the organization offers inpatient and behavioral health services with 10 licensed beds, along with post-acute and senior care services, including a 50-bed skilled nursing facility and assisted living on the Hayward campus, as well as a broad range of outpatient and community-based services designed to meet local needs.

The Region:

Tamarack Health serves communities in Ashland and Hayward, located in northern Wisconsin’s scenic Northwoods region near the shores of Lake Superior and just east of Duluth. The area is known for its strong sense of community, welcoming residents, and deep appreciation for relationships, authenticity and local leadership. Hayward is a close-knit community known for its outdoor heritage, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong civic pride. Residents value connection, neighbors know one another, leaders are visible and approachable, and organizations like Tamarack Health play an integral role in community life. The region offers strong educational options, including well-regarded public-school districts as well as private and parochial school choices. The area is known for its expansive lakes, forests, and trail systems, making it ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ATV riding. Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, local arts, and community events add to the region’s charm and livability.

Tamarack Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Tamarack Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Nominations and referrals as well as resumes from interested candidates may be sent to:

Heather Van Hecke, Consultant

Executive & Physician Leadership Search, AMN Leadership Solutions

Email: Heather.VanHecke@amnhealthcare.com