Centra Health Leadership Transition: Interim CEO Richard Tugman Steps in as Permanent CEO Searched

In Lynchburg, Virginia, Centra Health has announced new leadership as it begins its search for a permanent CEO. After three years in charge, Amy Carrier has stepped down, leading to the appointment of Richard Tugman as interim CEO.

Thomas Nygaard, chairman of Centra’s board of directors, spoke about the decision for a change in leadership. He said that respectful discussions with Carrier led to the decision, emphasizing that leadership changes are more frequent now than in the past due to the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry.

Tugman is seen as the right person to lead Centra forward as he previously served as interim CEO in 2021. Despite the leadership transition, ongoing projects such as a behavioral health and rehabilitation hospital and a new medical office building will continue as planned.

Nygaard mentioned that there is a need for a larger and updated emergency room which will be addressed through the construction of a new patient care tower. With Tugman in place as interim CEO, Centra has flexibility to take its time selecting a permanent CEO without a specific timeline in place.

As Centra Health moves forward with its leadership transition, it remains committed to providing quality care and expanding its services for the Lynchburg community.