YOUR AD HERE »

Elaine Gerson leaving Aspen Valley Hospital

Rick Carroll
The Aspen Times
Elaine Gerson

A high-ranking executive at Aspen Valley Hospital tendered her resignation last week, less than two weeks after CEO Dan Bonk announced his exit.

Elaine Gerson, chief clinical officer and general counsel at the hospital, gave 30 days’ notice for her resignation, said hospital spokeswoman Ginny Dyche. Gerson sent an email to hospital personnel Jan. 29 announcing her exit, said Barry Mink, who sits on the hospital’s board of directors.

“She didn’t give any reason to anybody in the email,” Mink said Thursday. “She has her own reasons, and it’s probably appropriate for her to say why.”



Gerson did not respond to messages seeking comment.

The board had considered both Gerson and hospital CFO Terry Collins to fill in as interim CEO. The board selected Collins, who has been the hospital’s head number-cruncher since 2004.




Hospital staff were apprised of Collins’ appointment Jan. 25. Four days later, Jan. 29, Gerson announced her departure.

“We had Elaine and Terry both in mind,” Mink said. “They were both well-qualified.”

He added, “We asked Elaine, ‘If Terry is CEO, can you work with him?’ and she said ‘yes.’” They both respected each other very, very much.”

Mink said he didn’t believe Gerson wanted the permanent CEO position.

In the meantime, the hospital’s board of directors will hold its monthly meeting Monday, when members are scheduled to discuss search strategies for a permanent CEO.

Oak Brook, Illinois-based executive headhunting firm Witt/Kieffer will oversee the search, Mink said. Because Monk left within three years of being hired, Witt/Kieffer will not charge the hospital for its current search, Mink said. The CEO’s pay ranges from $250,000 to $300,000.

Bonk joined the hospital in January 2014. He said his chief reason for leaving was to spend more time with his family, who live in Wisconsin.

“I hate to do this to the hospital,” Bonk said at the time. “We’ve got so many great things going on here, but I have to go back there to be with my son and my wife.”

He added: “I don’t want my leaving to slow anything down or to be perceived as something it’s not.”

A registered nurse as well as an attorney with a master’s degree in business, Gerson worked at the public hospital since 2005 and served on its board of directors from 2002 through part of 2005. Gerson also was on the hospital’s staff in 2001. Gerson’s husband, Gordon, is a cardiologist at the hospital

“Currently, Elaine advises on all legal matters, assures that the hospital is compliant with all federal and state laws and regulations and oversees all clinical departments,” the hospital’s website says.

Mink said Gerson will be difficult to replace.

“We’re going to work on it soon,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll be able to replace her with the quality that she supplied to the community and the hospital. We’re going to have to have people step up.”

rcarroll@aspentimes.com



Elaine Gerson leaving Aspen Valley Hospital

Rick Carroll
The Aspen Times
Elaine Gerson

A high-ranking executive at Aspen Valley Hospital tendered her resignation last week, less than two weeks after CEO Dan Bonk announced his exit.

Elaine Gerson, chief clinical officer and general counsel at the hospital, gave 30 days’ notice for her resignation, said hospital spokeswoman Ginny Dyche. Gerson sent an email to hospital personnel Jan. 29 announcing her exit, said Barry Mink, who sits on the hospital’s board of directors.

“She didn’t give any reason to anybody in the email,” Mink said Thursday. “She has her own reasons, and it’s probably appropriate for her to say why.”



Gerson did not respond to messages seeking comment.

The board had considered both Gerson and hospital CFO Terry Collins to fill in as interim CEO. The board selected Collins, who has been the hospital’s head number-cruncher since 2004.





Hospital staff were apprised of Collins’ appointment Jan. 25. Four days later, Jan. 29, Gerson announced her departure.

“We had Elaine and Terry both in mind,” Mink said. “They were both well-qualified.”

He added, “We asked Elaine, ‘If Terry is CEO, can you work with him?’ and she said ‘yes.’” They both respected each other very, very much.”

Mink said he didn’t believe Gerson wanted the permanent CEO position.

In the meantime, the hospital’s board of directors will hold its monthly meeting Monday, when members are scheduled to discuss search strategies for a permanent CEO.

Oak Brook, Illinois-based executive headhunting firm Witt/Kieffer will oversee the search, Mink said. Because Monk left within three years of being hired, Witt/Kieffer will not charge the hospital for its current search, Mink said. The CEO’s pay ranges from $250,000 to $300,000.

Bonk joined the hospital in January 2014. He said his chief reason for leaving was to spend more time with his family, who live in Wisconsin.

“I hate to do this to the hospital,” Bonk said at the time. “We’ve got so many great things going on here, but I have to go back there to be with my son and my wife.”

He added: “I don’t want my leaving to slow anything down or to be perceived as something it’s not.”

A registered nurse as well as an attorney with a master’s degree in business, Gerson worked at the public hospital since 2005 and served on its board of directors from 2002 through part of 2005. Gerson also was on the hospital’s staff in 2001. Gerson’s husband, Gordon, is a cardiologist at the hospital

“Currently, Elaine advises on all legal matters, assures that the hospital is compliant with all federal and state laws and regulations and oversees all clinical departments,” the hospital’s website says.

Mink said Gerson will be difficult to replace.

“We’re going to work on it soon,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll be able to replace her with the quality that she supplied to the community and the hospital. We’re going to have to have people step up.”

rcarroll@aspentimes.com