Ensuring the financial viability of rural hospitals represents one of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare, as these institutions must balance tight budgets with the critical need to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to often underserved populations. In a strategic move to fortify its commitment to community health in central West Virginia, WVU Medicine has announced the appointment of Forest Hannah as the new Vice President of Finance for its Central Region. This pivotal role places Hannah at the financial helm of three crucial facilities designated as Critical Access Hospitals: WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, WVU Medicine Summersville Regional Medical Center, and WVU Medicine Braxton County Memorial Hospital. His leadership is expected to introduce a new era of fiscal stewardship aimed at securing the long-term sustainability of these essential healthcare providers, ensuring they can continue to meet the evolving medical needs of the communities they serve for years to come. The appointment signals a dedicated effort to navigate the complex economic landscape of rural healthcare with seasoned expertise.
A Strategic Appointment for Regional Healthcare Stability
Scope of Financial Oversight and Community Impact
In his new capacity, Forest Hannah assumes comprehensive responsibility for the entire financial apparatus of the three hospitals, a task that extends far beyond simple bookkeeping. His mandate includes the direction of overarching financial strategy, the meticulous development and vigilant oversight of annual budgets, the management of complex reporting requirements, and the leadership of all day-to-day operational finance functions. The ultimate objective of this multifaceted role is to cement the long-term financial health and sustainability of these institutions. This financial stability is not an end in itself but a means to a more critical goal: guaranteeing that the rural communities dependent on these hospitals continue to receive uninterrupted access to excellent medical care. For Critical Access Hospitals, which operate under specific federal guidelines to ensure healthcare availability in remote areas, this financial stewardship is paramount. Hannah’s work will directly influence the hospitals’ ability to invest in modern medical technology, attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals, and maintain facilities that foster patient healing and safety, thereby safeguarding the well-being of the region.
Blending Diverse Expertise for a Unique Challenge
Hannah brings to the position a formidable and uniquely varied background cultivated over more than two decades of leadership across the healthcare, government, and private sectors. This diverse experience equips him with a multifaceted perspective essential for navigating the distinct challenges of rural hospital finance. Most recently, he served as the Director of Internal Operations for the West Virginia Department of Education, a role in which he honed his skills in large-scale fiscal oversight by managing the financial activities for the state board and 40 separate educational facilities. His direct healthcare experience is equally robust, including a tenure as the Executive Director of Finance at Boone Memorial Hospital and a significant leadership position at Vandalia Health. This foundation is further strengthened by his experience as Chief Financial Officer for Northwestern Mutual’s Charleston network office, which instilled a rigorous private-sector discipline in financial management. This powerful combination of public-sector accountability, healthcare industry insight, and corporate financial acumen makes him exceptionally qualified to lead the financial operations of WVU Medicine’s central region hospitals.
Leadership Perspective and Future Outlook
A Vision for Sustainable Local Care
The selection of Hannah has been met with strong endorsement from hospital leadership, who view his specialized background as a perfect match for the demands of the role. Skip Gjolberg, President and CEO of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, articulated this sentiment, emphasizing that Hannah’s blend of healthcare finance expertise and public-sector experience is an invaluable asset. Gjolberg highlighted that this specific combination is essential for Critical Access Hospitals, which constantly face the dual pressures of maintaining rigorous financial stewardship while simultaneously needing to invest in the quality and accessibility of local care. Effective financial leadership in this context means more than just balancing the books; it involves creating a resilient financial foundation that allows for strategic growth. This includes upgrading diagnostic equipment, expanding specialty services, and investing in the professional development of clinical staff. Hannah’s appointment is seen as a proactive step toward ensuring these hospitals do not just survive but thrive, continuing their mission to provide compassionate and state-of-the-art care directly within the communities they are dedicated to serving.
A Commitment to Mission and Regional Roots
This professional appointment was also deeply personal, as Hannah, a West Virginia native with strong connections to the region, expressed that he was honored to accept the role and was fully committed to supporting the foundational missions of the hospitals. This local tie fosters a level of dedication that transcends professional duty, aligning his success with the direct health and prosperity of his home community. His qualifications are academically sound, holding master’s degrees in both Accounting and Healthcare & Business Administration, complemented by a bachelor’s in Business Administration. This robust educational background provided the theoretical framework for his extensive practical experience. The decision to bring him into this leadership position was a clear and decisive action by WVU Medicine, one that underscored a profound commitment to the future of rural healthcare in the state. His appointment was celebrated as a move that fortified the financial leadership of the Central Region, positioning the three hospitals for an era of stability and strategic growth.
