Aspen Valley Hospital Company Profile

Background

Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH), established in 1891, is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Aspen, Colorado. As a not-for-profit community hospital, AVH is dedicated to delivering extraordinary healthcare in an environment of excellence, compassion, and trust. The hospital serves the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley communities, as well as visitors from around the world, offering a full range of services with board-certified specialists in 25 fields of medicine. AVH combines the warmth and friendliness of a small-town hospital with the technical expertise of a major medical center.

Key Strategic Focus

AVH's strategic focus centers on providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services tailored to the needs of its community. The hospital specializes in areas such as emergency medicine, orthopedics, cardiology, and diagnostic imaging. AVH employs advanced technologies, including CT scanning, MRI, dedicated mammography equipment, nuclear medicine, and state-of-the-art ultrasound. The primary market includes residents of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, along with seasonal visitors.

Financials and Funding

As a not-for-profit institution, AVH reinvests any positive operating margins into the organization to support new technology, facility upgrades, education, and training. The hospital's financial stability is evidenced by its Moody’s Baa2 rating with a "stable" outlook.

Pipeline Development

AVH continually enhances its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the community. Recent developments include the expansion of telemedicine services, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, and the introduction of new programs in collaboration with partners such as The Steadman Clinic for orthopedic care.

Technological Platform and Innovation

AVH distinguishes itself through the integration of advanced medical technologies and innovative healthcare solutions. The hospital's diagnostic imaging department features cutting-edge equipment, including CT scanners, MRI machines, dedicated mammography units, nuclear medicine facilities, and state-of-the-art ultrasound systems. Additionally, AVH's affiliation with Mayo Clinic Laboratories enhances its laboratory services, providing specialized testing and improved turnaround times.

Leadership Team

Board of Directors:

• Melinda Nagle, MD – Chair

• Background: Completed medical degree at New York Medical College; residency at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

• Contributions: Serves on the Board of the Aspen Hope Center and the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation.

• Lee Schumacher – Vice Chair

• Background: Attorney specializing in taxation and real estate; J.D. and LL.M. from the University of Denver College of Law.

• Contributions: Served on various local organizational boards, including Aspen Country Day School.

• Chuck Frias – Treasurer

• Background: Owner of Frias Properties of Aspen, specializing in real estate sales, rentals, property management, and development.

• Contributions: Served on numerous local boards, including Aspen Chamber Resort Association and Aspen Junior Hockey.

• John Sarpa – Director

• Background: Over 40 years of real estate experience; involved in the development of The Ritz-Carlton, Aspen (now St. Regis Hotel).

• Contributions: Co-chaired the citizens group that master-planned and re-developed the Aspen Meadows.

• David H. Eisenstat – Director

• Background: Retired senior partner of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP; headed the firm's health industry department.

• Contributions: Served on the Hospital's Audit Committee and chaired the 2016 CEO search committee.

Executive Team:

• Dave Ressler – Chief Executive Officer

• Background: Over 40 years of healthcare experience; served as AVH's CEO from 2004 to 2013 and again from 2016 to present.

• Contributions: Ensures clinical excellence and operational success; represents AVH to the public and healthcare community.

• Catherine Bernard, MD – Chief Medical Officer

• Background: Practicing emergency medicine at AVH since 2002; medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio.

• Contributions: Oversees physicians and medical staff; supports quality improvement and patient-safety programs.

• David Brain – Chief Financial Officer

• Background: Over a decade of experience with Sisters of Charity (SCL), now Peaks Region of Intermountain Health.

• Contributions: Oversees finances and facilities; led SCL's work to qualify for COVID-19 reimbursement from FEMA.

• Diana Bulman – Chief Development Officer, President of the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation

• Background: Managed development and philanthropy for major hospitals, including Stanford University Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic.

• Contributions: Leads the Foundation's efforts in working with donors to support AVH's strategic priorities.

• Alyssa Franklin, PharmD – Chief Operating Officer

• Background: Doctor of Pharmacy and MBA from Drake University; joined AVH in 2008 as a clinical pharmacist.

• Contributions: Oversees clinical operations of outpatient and ancillary services; supports patients and staff in delivering high-quality care.

• April Roark-Gay, DNP – Chief Nursing Officer

• Background: Doctorate of Nursing Practice; joined AVH in 2009 as Director of Inpatient Nursing.

• Contributions: Oversees nursing team; sets policies and protocols for nursing care and staff development.

• Michelle Gelroth – Chief Information Officer

• Background: Bachelor's degree in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma; attended medical school at Rocky Vista University.

• Contributions: Leads the IT team; designs and implements technical solutions for all departments at AVH.

• Tom McCauley – Chief Human Resources Officer

• Background: Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois; over 23 years at Accenture, with the last 11 in human resources.

• Contributions: Manages programs supporting AVH employees, including benefits, recruiting, and staff development.

• Jennifer Slaughter – Chief Growth and Marketing Officer

• Background: Master's degree in healthcare delivery science from Dartmouth College; experience in marketing and communications for area nonprofits.

• Contributions: Leads strategic branding, marketing communications, and growth initiatives for AVH.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, AVH appointed David Brain as Chief Financial Officer, Alyssa Franklin, PharmD, as Chief Operating Officer, and April Roark-Gay, DNP, as Chief Nursing Officer. These appointments reflect AVH's commitment to strengthening its leadership team to better serve the community.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

The healthcare market in Colorado is characterized by a mix of large healthcare systems and smaller community hospitals. As a critical access hospital, AVH operates in a niche market, focusing on providing comprehensive care to a rural and resort community. The market is influenced by factors such as population growth, seasonal tourism, and the demand for specialized medical services.

Competitor Analysis:

AVH's primary competitors include other critical access hospitals and larger healthcare systems in Colorado. Notable competitors are:

• St. Mary's Medical Center (Grand Junction, CO): A 310-bed Level II trauma center offering a wide range of services, including cardiology, neurology, and oncology.

• Valley View Hospital (Glenwood Springs, CO): A 78-bed hospital providing services such as cancer care, heart and vascular care, and orthopedics.

• Vail Health (Vail, CO): A 56-bed hospital specializing in orthopedics, cardiology, and cancer care, serving a resort community similar to Aspen.

These competitors offer a range of services that overlap with AVH's offerings, particularly in areas like orthopedics and emergency care.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

AVH has established several strategic partnerships to enhance its service offerings:

• The Steadman Clinic: A collaboration to provide world-class orthopedic care to the Aspen community.

• Mayo Clinic Laboratories: An affiliation that consolidates reference testing, improves turnaround time, and strengthens AVH's laboratory services.