University of Vermont Health Network changes leaders | MED MOVES

Sunny Eappen, MD, will step down as president and chief executive officer of the University of Vermont Health Network.

Sunny Eappen, MD, left, is stepping down as CEO of the University of Vermont Health Network. Steve Leffler, MD, has been named interim CEO.

Eappen and the health system mutually agreed on his decision to step down, the system said.

Steve Leffler, MD, president and chief operating officer of the University of Vermont Medical Center, will serve as interim CEO beginning Oct. 15. He will also retain his current duties.

Eappen will continue to lead the UVM Health Network through December to assist with the transition. He first joined the organization in 2022.

“It’s been my privilege to be part of this team, to see firsthand the way the people of this organization take care of our patients, our communities and each other,” Eappen said in a statement. “But I believe – based on everything that’s happening and all of the external pressures on our rural health system – that this organization needs to move forward in a different way. I’m committed to supporting Steve as a full partner in this transition.”

UVM Health Network has been moving to cut costs and is transitioning to a more efficient leadership structure. The network announced layoffs in July as part of a plan to cut $185 million in spending by the end of the year, Vermont Public Media reported.

Tom Golonka, board chair of UVM Health Network, said in a statement, “We understand the urgency of creating a future where access to affordable care is no longer out of reach. We are fully committed to the work ahead under Steve’s capable leadership.”

Leffler called it a “pivotal time” for health care in the region.

“As health care continues to evolve, this transitional period is going to continue to challenge us all, and I am committed to making sure this health system changes to meet the needs of our patients now and into the future,” Leffler said in a statement.

UVM Health Network operates an academic medical center in Burlington, Vermont, and five other hospitals in Vermont and New York.

Abhi Rastogi, left, and John Ryan

Temple Health expands role of two leaders

Two key figures at Temple Health are taking on new responsibilities.

Abhi Rastogi has been named chief operating officer of Temple Health. He will also continue to serve as executive vice president of Temple Health and president and CEO of Temple University Hospital Inc.

Michael A. Young, president and CEO of Temple Health, said Rastogi “represents the best of Temple.” Young said Rastogi will focus on the system’s growth and expanding the use of AI.

“He has devoted his entire career to our health system—and thanks to his transformative leadership, we’ve never been stronger than we are now,” Young said in a statement.

Rastogi has been credited with the opening of Temple Women & Families Hospital and the acquisition of Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital. He’s also been praised for bringing top talent to the Philadelphia-based system.

John Ryan has been named Temple Health’s chief administrative officer, in addition to serving as executive vice president and general counsel.

Ryan will continue to oversee Temple Health’s legal, HR, and government affairs teams, but he will also manage the marketing/communications team.

Chip Owens

AdventHealth appoints regional chief financial officer

Chip Owens has been named senior vice president and regional chief financial officer for AdventHealth’s hospitals in northeastern Florida.

Owens will oversee financial operations for AdventHealth Daytona Beach, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, AdventHealth Palm Coast and AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway. The hospitals include more than 730 beds and more than 4,500 employees.

He begins his new role today.

“Every financial decision touches real people — from the caregivers on the front lines to the patients counting on us for care,” Owens said in a statement. “Finance is the framework that allows us to extend Christ’s healing ministry. When we steward resources wisely, we’re making sure nurses have what they need at the bedside and families can access care close to home.”

Owens brings nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare finance roles. Most recently, he served as network CFO for Adventist Health in southern California, where he led the financial strategy for several hospitals.

His career also includes CFO positions at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles and Simi Valley Hospital, as well as system-level leadership at Adventist Health.

Owens has worked at AdventHealth before. Early in his career, he served as finance manager at AdventHealth Orlando and as controller/director at AdventHealth Manchester in Kentucky.

Reuben Murray

CHRISTUS Health names leader of New Mexico market

Reuben Murray has been named chief executive officer of CHRISTUS Health’s Southern New Mexico market.

Murray had been serving in an interim capacity since the spring, and he was elevated to a permanent role earlier this month.

He grew up in New Mexico and welcomes a return to his roots.

“This community is part of my story,” Murray said in a statement. “To be invited back in this way—leading an organization filled with compassionate, mission-driven people—is both a professional honor and a personal gift. I see this role as a chance to support our caregivers, strengthen partnerships and help ensure every person who walks through our doors receives the care, dignity and respect they deserve.”

Murray possesses 17 years of healthcare experience. Previously, he served as chief financial officer for CHRISTUS St. Vincent Health System in Santa Fe, where he oversaw two hospitals and a large medical group.

He also worked in the Lovelace Health System, holding positions at Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace Women’s Hospital, and Lovelace Westside Hospital and Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital.

David Pessis

PointClickCare names chief product and tech officer

David Pessis has been named the new chief product and technology officer of PointClickCare, a health tech company.

Pessis brings more than two decades of experience to the role. The company touts his experience in developing AI solutions.

“I am honored to join PointClickCare at such an important time,” Pessis said in a statement. “The company’s dedication to transforming healthcare through technology aligns perfectly with my passion for applying AI in meaningful ways. Together, we will drive innovation that not only fuels business growth but also makes a real difference in people’s lives.”

Dave Wessinger, CEO of PointClickCare, said Pessis will play a pivotal role for the organization.

“His strategic vision and experience will be crucial as we harness AI to drive meaningful impact for our customers and the healthcare industry at large.”

PointClickCare provides for long-term and post-acute care providers, and works with over 30,000 providers.