New Beginnings: Centra Health Appoints Interim CEO, Continues Modernization Plan in Lynchburg

Centra Health in Lynchburg has appointed Richard Tugman as interim CEO as the search for a permanent leader begins. After three years, CEO Amy Carrier stepped down and Tugman was seen as the right person to lead Centra forward.

According to Thomas Nygaard, chairman of Centra’s board of directors, the decision for a change in leadership was made through respectful discussions with Carrier. Nygaard emphasized the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry, stating that leadership changes are more frequent now than in the past.

Despite the leadership transition, all ongoing projects in Centra’s modernization plan will continue as planned. The healthcare system is currently working on a behavioral health and rehabilitation hospital and a new medical office building.

Nygaard mentioned that one of their priorities is to address the need for a larger and updated emergency room, which will be addressed through the construction of a new patient care tower. With Tugman in place as interim CEO, Centra has the flexibility to take their time in selecting a permanent CEO without a specific timeline in place.

As Centra Health moves forward with its leadership transition, they remain committed to providing quality care and expanding their services for the Lynchburg community.