“My Door Is Always Open”

Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s new president, Randy Kelley, FACHE, meets Sheri Woodard, medical records coordinator, at the Sullivan Street Café during a meet-and-greet event on Tuesday as part of his efforts to meet as many of his new colleagues as possible a few weeks into his new position.

Gerber Memorial’s new president, Kelley, meets colleagues with balloons, cupcakes – and open ears

FREMONT – One of the first things Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s new leader, Randy Kelley, FACHE, wanted to do as he began his tenure was to meet as many of his new colleagues as possible. So he parked himself at a table near the entry to the popular Sullivan Street Café at lunchtime, hung out some balloons and put out a spread of cupcakes.
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He got the lunchtime crowd on Tuesday (Aug. 7) to stop long enough to grab some dessert – and introduce themselves to their new president.

“The staff who work on the frontlines every day are the folks who make this hospital run, and I’m eager to hear their thoughts and learn from them about how Gerber Memorial can continue to serve the Newaygo County community with quality care, community health and compassion,” Kelley said. “I really appreciate the opportunity to meet my new colleagues and get to know them. I look forward to working closely with everyone and I want my new coworkers to know that my door is always open, and that I’m eager to listen to what they have to say.”

Sheri Woodard, medical records coordinator, said she found Kelley approachable, friendly and open to conversation.

“I really appreciate the time he is taking to come and visit each department while he is here and fitting us within his already packed schedule,” Woodard said. “His personalized approach to the employees, our patients and community will be well received.”

Infection preventionist Terri Fountain agreed.

“Randy is present in his role and attentive to our staff here at Gerber,” she said. “He is engaged in conversation and we are looking forward to getting to know him and building relationships.”

Kelley is also president of Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), dividing his time between Newaygo County and Ludington in his new leadership role. He began at Gerber Memorial shortly after Randy Stasik retired as president in July.

Kelley will be responsible for ensuring clinical and service excellence for patients by actively partnering and collaborating with Spectrum Health Medical Group as well as Spectrum Health integrated care campus leaders in the northwest market communities in Mason, Lake, Newaygo, Oceana and the northern part of Muskegon counties.  His focus will be on growth, transformation of care to achieve best practices and continuous improvement, and delivery in the northwest region on Spectrum Health’s promise to be a high-reliability organization.

Kelley chats with infection preventionist Terri Fountain on Tuesday during a meet-and-greet event at the Sullivan Street Café.