“A transition is underway and exciting times are ahead,” says Anita Tallman, of Christian Health Care Center and Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness.
Patrick O’Neill recently joined CHCC as their new chief executive officer—he was selected as a replacement for Tallman who will soon retire after 17 years of service.
Patrick O’Neill is set to replace Anita Tallman who is retiring after 17 years at CHCC in Lynden, WA
With a career spanning more than 23 years, O’Neill has managed nonprofit organizations that serve elders in various stages of life. He served as president/CEO of a retirement community in Spokane, WA and as the administrator of a nursing home in Tacoma, WA. He also held board positions with several eldercare industry groups and has been called upon as to speak as an expert witness.
Most recently, O’Neill worked as campus administrator for a nonprofit healthcare organization in Des Moines, WA. The company offers independent living, assisted living, caregiving and home health services, skilled nursing, and adult day health on their 43 acre campus.
When asked why he decided to accept the CEO position and relocate to Whatcom County, O’Neill said, “Our decision was based on two things–the opportunity to help a respected organization and the quality of life this area has to offer. My wife Michelle and I both grew up in small farming communities—she’s from Ritzville, WA. We tried urban living several times and found we really prefer to live and work in smaller towns. Everyone we spoke with about moving here really praised the area. We fell in love—the area is beautiful and it immediately felt like home.”
Community culture played a part in O’Neill’s decision to take on the role at CHCC. He said it was obvious that the skilled nursing facility and adult day health programs were thought highly of in the community.
“With this role at CHCC, maintaining quality of care for those we serve is top priority. My initial goal is to use experiences I’ve had at larger nonprofit organizations to help CHCC, and the newly-formed Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center prepare for the future. I’ll be working with the board on strategic planning with a special focus on evolving consumer lifestyle preferences and governmental regulations that impact funding in our industry,” said O’Neill.
Tallman, who plans to move to Boise, ID later this year said that the transition period is going well. “Patrick brings a lot of experience to the table and he has jumped right in. The board and CHCC’s management team have been planning for my retirement for a while—all of our plans are coming together beautifully.”
Learn more about Christian Health Care Center and Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center at chcclynden.org.