Dennis E. Burke, president and CEO of Hermiston, Ore.-based Good Shepherd Health Care System, plans to retire in 2020, ending a 31-year tenure.
Mr. Burke joined the health system in 1989 as assistant administrator and became CEO late that year. During his tenure, the organization grew from a hospital with 250 employees to a health system with over 700 employees and 40 service lines.
In 2015, the health system was recognized by iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health for overall excellence in outcomes and financial strength, and it has been recognized as a top workplace in Oregon by The Oregonian/Oregon Live four times.
Mr. Burke is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has served on the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems' board for 19 years. He also serves on the critical access hospital leadership committee of the National Rural Health Association.
Good Shepherd Health Care System's board of trustees will conduct a nationwide search for his successor.