GRMC CEO meets community at meet and greet 061517

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees Chairman Jeremiah Garcia spoke after new GRMC Chief Executive Officer Taffy Arias had welcomed community members individually to the reception, which was held in the Southwest Bone and Joint Institute conference room Thursday evening, June 15, 2017.

"The hospital is going through challenging times," Garcia said. "When Mrs. Arias interviewed, she did an excellent job with the community and the board."

Garcia said the interim CEO Alfredo Ontiveros "has a passion for this hospital that he served as CEO in the 1990s. He also has contacts all over the country. He knew we needed to find something who would fit into the Grant County hospital culture. After the interview, we felt she would. I hoped she would accept the position. After working with Mrs. Arias for the past couple of weeks, she fits well."

Ontiveros said he would be at the hospital through June 30, but "I want to retire here, so I want good health care."

"The culture is not a shock to Mrs. Arias," Garcia said. "She comes here from North Carolina, but she's from El Paso. For someone to step up to this position, while knowing the challenges, shows how strong she is. If we can all work together, we want her to stay longer than the average three or so years for a CEO.

"We are here in support of her," he continued. "We ask the community to support her. We, as a business, have to get her the tools she needs to move forward. We have the fiduciary responsibility."

Garcia also noted the large number of applicants for the one vacant position of trustee. "Garrett Olin, who was one of the finalists, will have to drop out, because of a new policy at Hidalgo Medical Services where he works."

"Mrs. Arias' challenge to her team is 'No Excuse,'" Garcia noted, as he introduced her.

"Thank you for being so welcoming," Arias said. "It's rare to walk into a community and be embraced so well. We need strong people to weather the storms. What Mr. Ontiveros has done in his short time here, I only hope to do what he's done and more. I will call on you for your advice. It is an honor to serve here."

Ontiveros said it was an honor for him to be chosen as the interim CEO. "I am glad to be in a place where I was before. We are now into the transition. I can be gone tomorrow, because you're in good hands."