The board of commissioners for Coupeville, Wash.-based WhidbeyHealth voted Jan. 22 to terminate CEO Nathan Staggs — then reversed the decision during the same meeting after receiving pushback from staff.
The board initially voted 3-2 to dismiss Mr. Staggs, citing financial mishandling and debt concerns. Members of executive leadership then walked out of the meeting and several employees expressed support for Mr. Staggs, the South Whidbey Record reported Jan. 23.
WhidbeyHealth chief of staff Robert Rookstool, MD, at the meeting described the termination as “an error, top to bottom.” A 14-year employee cited improved morale among staff and services growth while calling for the reversal.
“I am deeply thankful for the support shown by our employees, medical staff, and community members,” Mr. Staggs said in a statement shared with Becker’s on Jan. 26. “Their voices reflect a shared recognition of the progress we’ve made together and the dedication across this organization to continuing that forward momentum for our patients and community.”
In the same meeting, the board also voted 3-2 to remove Marian Jouas, MSN, RN, as board president and reinstate former board President James Golder; that decision was also reversed. Mr. Golder subsequently resigned as commissioner, the South Whidbey Record reported.
“Over the past few years, our team has worked together to guide WhidbeyHealth through significant financial and operational challenges,” Mr. Staggs said in his statement. “Because of the dedication of our staff and providers, we are in a much stronger position today — expanding services, investing in our workforce, and improving access to exceptional care close to home.
“My focus remains where it has always been: supporting our caregivers, serving our patients, and ensuring WhidbeyHealth remains a trusted, sustainable health system for this community.”
WhidbeyHealth operates a critical access hospital and several facilities offering primary and outpatient care.
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