Dr, Christopher Colenda, former chancellor of the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and president and CEO of the West Virginia United Health System, will retire at the end of August, according to the university.
Colenda, who has served as head of the Health Sciences Center and then of the WVUHS for the last seven years, presided over the addition of three hospitals to WVUHS, including Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser, St. Joseph's Hospital in Buckhannon, and later this year, Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale, during his tenure. Colenda also oversaw the development of a joint operating agreement among West Virginia University Hospitals, University Health Associates, and the West Virginia University School of Medicine, and was instrumental in helping establish the WVU School of Public Health.
"I am grateful for Chris' service and for his friendship," said WVU President E. Gordon Gee, who is also president of the WVUHS board of directors.
"He has led with passion and with a sincere commitment to our patients and their families. That dedication has created a more unified and progressive approach to healthcare in West Virginia."
The Board of Directors of WVUHS has appointed Dr. Albert L. Wright, Jr., the current President and CEO of WVU Hospitals and chief operating officer of the WVUHS, to replace Colenda effective Sept. 1.
"My seven years at WVU has been an extraordinary journey, and folks, it's time for me to retire," Colenda said.
"I am deeply grateful the Board of Directors of the West Virginia United Health System for enabling me to lead this wonderful organization. I am humbled by the over 12,000 health professionals in our system who put the wellbeing of patients first. I am blessed to have had an executive team who led - and will continue to lead - our efforts to create an integrated healthcare system, with an academic focus, and the heart and soul of West Virginia values. Dr. Wright will be an outstanding champion of those values."
Reach Lydia Nuzumat lydia.nuzum@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5189 or follow @lydianuzum on Twitter.