Retiring Samaritan CEO recognized at last board meeting

MOSES LAKE — The recognition of Samaritan Healthcare commissioners didn’t go as Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan thought it would. What Sullivan thought would be recognition of the commissioners also was recognition for her.  

Sullivan is retiring in May after 10 and a half years as Samaritan CEO, and Tuesday’s board meeting was her last. Commissioners showed their appreciation of her contribution with a special commission resolution which moved Sullivan to tears. 

“Theresa Sullivan has served Samaritan Healthcare with honor, vision and unwavering dedication as chief executive officer,” the resolution said, which was read by commission chair Katherine Christian.  

Sullivan said she couldn’t have done it without the support of the hospital board, the hospital staff, its medical professionals and administrators. 

“I do want to say to all of you how grateful I am for you, and I have to say, especially for the board,” she said. “It is not an easy job. I am so grateful to each one of you and your leadership, your support, and everything that you’ve done. Everything we have accomplished would in no way be possible without all of you. I’ve been able to talk to you about things that have been rough for me, and I’m grateful for that.” 

Samaritan’s senior administrators also have a source of support, she said. 

“You guys rock,” she said. “I’m going to miss you, and thank you again, because without all of you, none of this is possible without you. I know that you guys have made a lot of sacrifices as well, and I’m really grateful to have been part of a team that has worked so hard and been so committed to this community, to this vision and to doing what’s right.” 

Sullivan’s 10 years as CEO included planning for and construction of a new Samaritan Hospital, adding a new family medicine clinic on Patton Boulevard and an agreement with Washington State University’s new medical school to bring physician resident training to Moses Lake, among other things. 

Christian said Sullivan was scheduled to retire before 2026 but stayed on to finish the hospital project.  

“The board of commissioners of (Samaritan Healthcare) recognize (Sullivan) for her extraordinary leadership and dedicated service (and) extends sincere gratitude for her many contributions to the growth and success of Samaritan,” the resolution said.  

    Retiring CEO Theresa Sullivan left, gets a hug from Chief Medical Officer Andrea Carter during her last Samaritan board meeting.