PROVIDENCE HOOD RIVER LEADER
ACCEPTS NEW POSITION AT PROVIDENCE PORTLAND

March 14, 2007

PORTLAND, Ore. - James Arp, Columbia Gorge Service Area chief executive for Providence Health System - Oregon Region, has been named the new associate administrator at Providence Portland Medical Center. He will begin serving in his new role in early May

“James’ extensive health care experience and strong leadership skills make him an ideal choice to join Providence Portland ‘s team,” said Russ Danielson, chief executive, PHS - Oregon.

Arp came to Providence Hood River in 2005. During that time, he has overseen the development of a comprehensive master site plan, which will lead to a major facility expansion in 2007-2008. He has also helped lead the way in providing new and creative ways to reach out to the community, including the deployment of the Providence Mobile Health Unit.

“I am excited at the incredible opportunity to contribute to an exceptional medical center,” said Arp. “At the same time, my family and I will miss the embracing community and organization we found in Hood River.”

Arp joined Providence from Crossroads Regional Medical Center in Wentzville, Mo. where he served as chief executive officer. Previously, Arp worked for Colorado River Medical Center in Needles, California and held various leadership positions for Health Management at Williamson Memorial in West Virginia, Biloxi Regional Medical Center in Mississippi, Riverview Regional Medical Center in Alabama, and Aurora Regional Medical Center in Colorado.

At Providence Portland, Arp will be involved in a variety of areas, including the implementation of the facility master plan and the organization of the move into the new Providence Cancer Center building. He will also be responsible for environmental services and food services for the Portland Service Area hospitals.

Providence will begin the search for Arp’s replacement immediately. Hospital leadership, employees, physicians, foundation and community board members and area leaders will all be involved in the search process.

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Providence Health System in Oregon, ranked as the sixth most integrated health care system in the nation, offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its seven hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. With more than 15,000 employees, Providence is the state’s second-largest private employer.