For six months now, Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Wyoming has puttered along without a chief financial officer. Now that's changed, with longtime hospital pro Jim Bands selected to help steer the facility into the future.
He's spent the entirety of his professional career in the hospital industry, and has served in roles at larger institutions, which he says gives him a broad base of experience.
"I've worked in seven hospitals, two health maintenance organizations, two nursing homes and an ambulance company," said Bands. "I have a relatively diverse background in healthcare. Not many CFOs at hospitals know anything about ambulances."
Hospital CEO Doug Faus said Bands' diverse resume was one of the main reasons he was offered the job.
"I think the thing that stands out about Jim is is his experience - his ability to immediately make an impact," said Faus. "The learning curve for him is really just getting to know the names and faces and what issues we're working, but really, he can apply his knowledge almost instantly."
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He'll get a chance to use that knowledge soon, as the hospital is currently looking to expand and build a new medical office building. In his previous roles, Bands was responsible for overseeing the construction of two hospital buildings.
Bands has been at Ivinson for a week now, replacing outgoing CFO Bryan Chalmers.
His first major task will be to prepare for upcoming changes for the state's Medicare and Medicaid programs.
"Change is down the road, and I think if we can get out ahead of that, it will be great for the organization," he said.
While he's worked at larger hospitals, such as the Phoenix Children's Hospital, the Colorado native said the location and modest size of the hospital were all incentives for him to make the move, citing the University of Wyoming's place in the community as an especially appealing factor.
While the size may be smaller, he said, all hospitals share the same goal.
"At the end of the day, at least for not-for-profits and districts, the mission is to provide great care to the municipality they're serving and do it with great quality."
Twitter: @JELagasse