The Board of Cascadia BHC announces the departure of Chair, Rick Cagen, an expert navigator during Cascadia’s financial crisis. He’s assuming the role of president of Silverton Hospital Network, precipitating this change. At the same time we welcome Captain Donna Henderson, Portland Police officer since 1988 and graduate of Lewis & Clark Univeristy’s Masters in Counseling program.

Mr. Cagen first joined Cascadia’s Board in 2007, assuming the role of Chair in early 2009, when he helped Cascadia navigate through many transitions and challenges. Under his leadership, the organization has gained financial health and stability, and the Board has added seven new members. He came to Cascadia well-prepared, having spent more than 30 years leading complex healthcare systems to higher levels of performance. He has recently been named President and CEO of Silverton Health System in Silverton, Oregon. (His new responsibilities keep him in Silverton many evenings as well as every day!)

Cascadia CEO Derald Walker says of Mr. Cagen, “Rick has been phenomenal in his role as Chair and has remained a calm, wise leader during an extremely challenging period for our organization. For me as the CEO, Rick’s generous time and invaluable counsel was always available on a moment’s notice regardless of his other professional and personal demands. In his capacity as the Chairman, he served as my supervisor, and of the many that I’ve had in my career, he was second to none.”

Prior to joining Silverton Health System, Mr. Cagen served as CEO and administrator of Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland. He was also CEO of Providence Hospital in Portland for several years, and spent 20 years in leadership at the renowned Intermountain Health System in Idaho and Utah. Rick expresses his deep love for Cascadia, respect for the challenging work performed graciously by staff, and the continued mission of the organization. He has offered to serve as a community member when the Board establishes a subcommittee on Quality. We will truly miss him.

Best wishes, Rick!!

Every departure has its rewards and with that Mr. Cagen leaves the Board in good hands, as Captain Donna Henderson assumes the role of Chair. She joined the Board in March 2010 and has served as Vice-Chair. With the Portland Police since 1988, Ms. Henderson has been the highest ranking female officer for the past couple of years. She currently heads the Family Services Division.

In 2009, she completed her Master’s degree from Lewis and Clark University in Counseling, doing her internship with Cascadia’s Project Respond – and thereby becoming very connected to Cascadia and wishing to serve its Board. She admires the work of the organization, is a seasoned leader, and welcomes the opportunity to meet regularly with her fellow Board members: Phill Guay, Secretary/Treasurer (Finance Committee), Dick Cowan, Harold DuCloux III (Finance Committee), Keith Hyde (Finance Committee), Michael Kaplan (Finance Committee), Gregg Lowe, Harris Matarazzo, Martin Morris, and Felesia Otis.

Cascadia appreciates the support and guidance of this remarkable group of volunteers.