Dear colleagues,
On behalf of the entire Providence St. Joseph family, I want to express my profound appreciation to Oregon Chief Executive Dave Underriner, who after more than 35 years with Providence Health & Services, is leaving to take a position as regional president for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of Hawaii. Dave has made a lasting mark on our organization, and he will be greatly missed by all of us following his departure.
Dave is the epitome of a servant leader. He leads with love and has focused on serving caregivers, patients and the community. Dave is a good friend of mine and of many of us.
During his time with Providence, Dave has worked in numerous leadership roles, including clinical services, service area operations, chief delivery system officer. Since March 2013 he has been the executive vice president and chief executive of Oregon. Dave has facilitated strong operations results and leaves the Oregon region in an incredibly strong position.
Dave’s contributions over the years have been significant. Many of you know that his dad, Tom Underriner, was the first lay leader for Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Dave’s ties to Providence run deep. And Dave has carried forth this legacy.
When asked what he’s most proud of, Dave is quick to point out the people of Providence who carry out our Mission of service to those who are poor and vulnerable. Dave is an outstanding leader, building on an integrated model that continues to grow Providence’s care in the communities we serve.
In recognition of his work, Dave has received many honors, including the Alumni Fellow Award from Oregon State University, the Ethics in Business Award, the Keep Oregon Well Mental Health Hero Award and Volunteer of the Year from the American Heart and Stroke Association.
Dave is also highly visible in the community, partnering with organizations whose services support the work of Providence. He is a remarkable and long-term advocate for those who are poor and vulnerable, with particular focus on people in need of housing, education, behavioral health, nutrition and youth. Outside of PSJH, Dave serves on many boards, including All Hands Raised, Oregon Business Council, University of Portland and Volunteers of America. He provides excellent leadership for these organizations and a persuasive voice in attending to the needs of those who are most vulnerable in the community.
I’ve asked Theron Park, chief executive, Oregon delivery system, to lead the Oregon region in the interim as we conduct a national search for Dave’s successor. Dave’s last day will be May 12. Thank you for your support during the interim.
We are very grateful to Dave for his many years of service and extraordinary leadership in Catholic health care and within Providence St. Joseph Health. We love you my friend, and we will miss you.
Mike Butler
President of Operations
Providence St. Joseph Health