CFO, CNO return to Gritman

Gritman Medical Center recently hired a new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Nursing Officer — filling the positions with two former employees who decided to return to the Palouse.

Preston Becker spent nearly 10 years pursuing his career outside of the Palouse area, and now has decided to settle down in Moscow with his family for what he says is the “long haul” as the CFO at Gritman. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in business. When he was last at Gritman, Becker was employed as a Fiscal
Services Representative.

“A lot of the people are the same,” Becker said. “I feel like I literally would be able to pick relationships that I left years ago without feeling like I even missed a beat.”

Before returning to Moscow, Becker held the same position at the non-profit, critical access Kewanee Hospital in Kewanee, Ill.

As CFO, Becker is responsible for the financial health and well being of Gritman as a whole, and he said he strives to provide the proper financial support to each part of the organization.

“I think what’s unique about health care from a financial perspective is that there is a lot of opportunities to do some really amazing things for the community that adds value — which is not always perceived on a strict financial basis,” Becker said. “I have learned through the years that quality really drives success in a health
care organization.”

Also making a return to Gritman is CNO Sheryl Washburn. She previously held this position at Gritman from 2005-2008. Washburn’s background is in administrative and nursing leadership in rural acute care hospitals. Before returning to Gritman, Washburn worked as the vice president of patient care services in Newport, Vt.

Like Becker, Washburn plans on spending the remainder of her career at Gritman and in Moscow. She said she is not sure how long that will be, but it will definitely be for
several years.

“It is terrific to be back,” Washburn said. “I’m amazed at how many people are here that were here before, and it’s just fun to be back.”

As CNO, Washburn is responsible for any department that is primarily staffed by nurses, and she is tasked with ensuring nursing care is provided in a quality manner that is consistent with current
nursing standards.

Kara Besst, President and Chief Executive Officer at Gritman, said she is excited to have both Becker and Washburn back on the Gritman team. She said both have great credentials and will provide great leadership
for Gritman.

Erik Fink can be reached at [email protected]

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