November 30, 2020

37 years. To Rich it seems like yesterday when he became CEO at Valley. It was 1983 and the world was watching Flashdance and Return of the Jedi while Cabbage Patch Kids became all the rave. Fittingly, the story about The Right Stuff, the original Mercury 7 astronauts and their nimble, fly by the seat-of-their-pants approach to the space program was released and served to foreshadow the years to come at Valley.

Throughout Rich’s CEO journey bursting with success, challenge, controversy and vision, one thing is certain, he has inspired nearly four decades of nimble, entrepreneurial, grassroots innovation and a diehard passion for helping people. Rich and the teams who surround and support him have infused Valley with a friendly, fun, collegial spirit born out in our mission statement of “Caring for our community like family.”

Rich blasts off to retirement on December 31, 2020. Help us recognize his remarkable achievements at two upcoming virtual retirement celebrations:

Dec 14, 2-3pm: Roodman Drive Dedication, Time Capsule Reveal & Thank a Caregiver Groundbreaking

Join us as we dedicate the perimeter road encircling Valley in Rich’s honor, reveal a 1989 Time Capsule sealed just 6 years into his 37 year tenure and watch us break ground on our new Thank a Caregiver installation.

To join on Dec 14: https://valleymed.zoom.us/s/94469275783

Dec 15, Noon-1pm: The Roast

Rich always loved a good roast to bid farewell to his colleagues. Now we get to return the favor! Join us for a virtual roast as we reminisce, ridicule, recognize and say good riddance to our fearless leader.

To join on Dec 15: https://valleymed.zoom.us/s/93033754835

To send video or text well wishes in advance for the celebration, please contact liz_nolan@valleymed.org.

Another Option for Recognition: Thank a Caregiver

For those looking to recognize Rich’s impact in another way, Thank a Caregiver is a new art installation coming to the Healing Garden to recognize the tireless dedication of all staff at Valley. To recognize a caregiver (which includes healthcare providers and everyone else at Valley who makes an impact in the lives of our patients), you can purchase a colorful glass float that will be mounted into metal art structures for display. Learn more at: https://www.valleymed.org/thankacaregiver/

We look forward to seeing you in December and sharing in the celebration to recognize Rich and his remarkable career!