COMMUNITY

Santiam Hospital CEO retires after 38 years

Terry Fletchall

Terry Fletchall, the leader of Santiam Health, is retiring after nearly four decades.

Fletchall was hired as Santiam Hospital’s controller in 1982; six years later he was appointed CEO. He was the youngest CEO in Oregon at the time, and today, he is the longest-tenured CEO in the state. 

At the beginning of his tenure, the struggling community hospital was on the brink of closure. Santiam Hospital has flourished under Fletchall’s leadership. 

“Understanding the unique intricacies of an acute care hospital and the constantly changing healthcare paradigm, developing and carrying out plans, responding to change and investing in people, infrastructure and technology; together with timing, relationships and a little luck are the keys to success,” Fletchall said. 

In an era of mergers and acquisitions, Santiam Hospital has remained an independent, community-based hospital – one of only three independent acute care hospitals in Oregon that is not owned by another hospital, nor owns another hospital. 

Fletchall announced the appointment of Maggie Hudson to the office of President and CEO of Santiam Hospital. “With the appointment of Maggie, we know the hospital is not only in good hands, but the best hands.”  

“To all the wonderful people in the communities served by Santiam Hospital, who have been so supportive of the hospital over the years, Thank you and bless you all. I am humbled by my experiences,” Fletchall said.