CBHA names next Chief Executive Officer

Columbia Basin Health Association’s Board of Directors has chosen Nieves Gomez as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer. Gomez succeeds Greg Brandenburg, and will begin his new duties March 1.

“After thorough succession planning and a comprehensive search process, the CBHA Board of Directors is pleased to have found the best fit to assume leadership of our outstanding rural healthcare organization,” said Mike Garza, Chairman of the CBHA Board of Directors. “Nieves’ recognition as an exceptional leader in healthcare, coupled with his education and commitment to organizational growth and improvement makes him an ideal selection.”

Mr. Garza expressed thanks to the entire board and executive team for their efforts and input in the selection process.

Nieves started his career with CBHA 11 years ago as a summer intern, and has advanced through the leadership team, serving as clinic manager and vice president of operations.

The selection of Mr. Gomez caps a search process facilitated by Witt Kieffer, a global executive search firm specializing in placing healthcare executives in some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious healthcare organizations. A large initial prospect pool was narrowed to a group of three external prospects and four internal candidates, all of whom interviewed with the Board’s search committee. The final two candidates moved into a final round with the full CBHA Board.

“Nieves is a young man with character and enduring values. He has grown with CBHA as a successful executive, and has the confidence and thought leadership to take CBHA to the next level. He believes in and lives CBHA’s mission, is a patient champion, and delivers value-creation with extraordinary results,” said Brandenburg. “Nieves is a valuable leader who has been responsible for a great portion of our success over the last five years. I would like to thank the search committee and CBHA Board during the succession planning and recruiting process. The Board can take pride in the success of the organization the last 20 years. I have no doubt the work they have put in to build this organization into the best rural healthcare organization in the United States will continue under Nieves’ leadership.”

Gomez was “humbled and excited about the opportunity to lead such a passionate and talented group of people.”

“CBHA is positioned to become the new standard in healthcare in rural United States. Greg Brandenburg has been an excellent visionary leader for CBHA over the last 20 years and we are thankful for the leadership he has provided to put in place the right vision, strategy, and thoughtful succession plan for long-term success. I am committed to continuing my strong relationship with Greg, the executive team, the Board of Directors, and our wonderful patients to continue this momentum and capture the great opportunities in front of us.”

An Othello native, Gomezes role in the CBHA family began with a focus on behavioral health and outreach. He holds a Masters of Public Administration and a Masters of Social Work from Eastern Washington University. Over his tenure with CBHA, Gomez has served as site director for CBHA’s Mattawa facility and the director of quality.

In November 2016, he became director of operations, and in mid-2017, the vice president of operations reporting to the COO. In this role, he had oversite of three site directors, the pharmacy business manager, vision business manager, contact center manager, facilities manager and cafe coordinator in the Othello facility, and has management oversight of over 90 other employees.

As vice president of operations, Gomez directed the development and implementation of strategic operational plans for clinical programs, including process improvement initiatives and leadership for IT operations.

Gomez is married with three wonderful children. He celebrates his ties to the communities within the Columbia Basin and is passionate about CBHA’s mission. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, catching a movie once in a while and playing soccer when he can.