Mr. Ontiveros, who took over from former CEO Brian Cunningham in December 2016, noted that “the elimination of the position is not a performance issue at all, it was a business decision,” according to the report. Mr. Ontiveros said that Gila Regional is too small to require a COO during a meeting with the Grant County Commission on Feb. 14, 2017. Other administrative leaders will absorb Mr. Rudd’s duties, reporting directly to Mr. Ontiveros.
Mr. Rudd joined Gila Regional in 2009, providing care as an occupational therapist. As COO, he worked with then CEO Mr. Cunningham to tackle the medical center’s financial issues. Mr. Rudd is now seeking new opportunities. “I support where the leadership is headed given the outcome they want,” he told the Silver City Daily Press.
The medical center is searching for Mr. Cunningham’s permanent replacement. The new permanent CEO may decide to reinstate the COO role, the report notes.
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