Paradise hospital CEO moves on

Feather River Hospital’s president for more than a decade is packing his bags and heading to the Central Valley, but the staff he almost doubled in number is not likely to forget his contributions any time soon.

Wayne Ferch, who has been president and CEO of Adventist Health/Feather River Hospital since 2000, will take on the same role at Adventist Health/Central Valley Network in May. During his 11 years at FRH, Ferch increased hospital staff from 600 to 1,100 individuals, oversaw the completion of a new cancer center on the main campus and Feather River Health Center on the Skyway, and improved and expanded technology and health services. In doing this, he stabilized the hospital’s once-dire financial situation.

The hospital is currently seeking a replacement. Ferch’s absence is also likely to be noticed in the community, where he participated in Paradise’s Chamber of Commerce and supported several local health initiatives and events.