Otto to leave River Park for Las Vegas
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In the wake of the recent announcement that HCA will be selling River Park, along with several of its rural hospitals, Otto was aware he would be required to make some career choices. Still, he said the decision was difficult due to his strong community ties.
“Obviously I’m torn,” Otto said. “I’ve cared so much for this facility and this community. I’m sincere in saying I’ve tried to give everything I had to make us a better hospital and hopefully make the community better. It’s tough to leave.”
Paul Rutledge, president of HCA’s TriStar Health System, said Otto has helped move River Park forward during his tenure.
“Steve has done an excellent job leading River Park Hospital for the past four years. He has had a deep commitment to both the hospital and the community,” Rutledge said.
Otto also served as River Park’s chief financial officer from 1993 to 1996. He served as chief operating officer at Terre Haute Regional Hospital in Indiana before returning to River Park in 2001.
George Asbell, a highly experienced hospital administrator with HCA, will take over as interim CEO at River Park on May 16. Asbell has assisted a number of HCA facilities through management transitions.
“We are pleased that George Asbell is available to step in immediately to fill Steve’s shoes and help assure continuity of care during this transition period,” Rutledge said.
Otto also feels the transition should go smoothly, and that local residents shouldn’t be too concerned.
“Fortunately we have someone with George Asbell’s experience as a hospital administrator stepping in,” Otto said. “I think he’ll do a great job on an interim basis.”
Otto has been involved in a wide variety of community activities during his stay at River Park, including fundraisers for the American Heart Association, Relay for Life and the March of Dimes. He has also been involved with the Boy Scouts, the Rotary Club and currently serves as Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board, all of which he says he treasures.
“That’s probably been the biggest learning experience and the most rewarding aspect of this job,” Otto said. “It’s allowed me to get to know what living in a community like McMinnville is really all about. It’s more than just running a hospital, it’s being a part of a family. These things have given me great joy. I’ll miss all of that.”
River Park employees have also been a big part of his success according to Otto.
“That’s one of the most difficult things,” he said, “leaving the employees. They’re just such a great bunch of professional, caring individuals that I’m really going to miss. I just want to encourage them to continue to giving 110 percent like they always have.”
Otto says that has been, and will always be, one of River Park’s strengths.
“I’d like to thank everyone for all the support that they’ve given me personally,” Otto said. “This hospital has a very strong foundation,” he added. “It will continue to provide great care.”