Hospital names new CEO
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 5 months AGO
North Valley Hospital
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | April 27, 2017 12:01 PM
The North Valley Hospital Board of Directors has selected Chris Thomas to serve as its new chief executive.
Thomas has served for the last three years as chief operating officer of the hospital.
She replaces Tate Kreitinger who assumed the role of interim CEO at North Valley along with his duties serving as CEO of The HeathCenter at Kalispell Regional Healthcare. Kreitinger took on the role after Jason Spring last June stepped down as CEO at the Whitefish hospital and moved into a new role with Kalispell Regional Healthcare.
The board of directors recognized Thomas in a press release Thursday saying she has provided exemplary leadership as chief operating officer of the hospital over the last three years, while maintaining a focus on the unique values and culture of North Valley Hospital.
“The board is thankful for Tate's leadership over the past year,” said Steve Stahlberg, board chairman, said in a prepared release. “By appointing Ms. Thomas to this full-time leadership role, the board establishes a strong commitment to the staff at North Valley Hospital and the greater Whitefish community that North Valley Hospital will continue providing high quality patient-centered care.”
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