PeaceHealth Northwest Region Chief Executive Chuck Prosper Announces Retirement

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - PeaceHealth announced today that Chuck Prosper, chief executive of the PeaceHealth Northwest Region, will retire at the end of the year following nearly 40 years in healthcare leadership and service.

Prosper joined PeaceHealth in 2019 and has led the Northwest Network through significant growth, transformation and some of the most challenging periods in modern healthcare. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to advancing high-quality care, supporting caregivers and physicians and strengthening the health of the communities he serves.

"Serving PeaceHealth and our communities has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Prosper said. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary caregivers, providers, leaders, volunteers and board members who bring our mission to life every day. Together, we have accomplished meaningful work that will benefit our communities for generations to come."

A physical therapist by training, Prosper began his healthcare career in 1989 and has spent more than two decades in executive leadership roles. During his tenure at PeaceHealth, he helped guide the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing local response efforts and the implementation of a large-scale community vaccination clinic that supported the health and safety of thousands of community members.

Prosper also played a leading role in shaping the future of healthcare in region through the St. Joseph Medical Center master facilities plan. Among the most significant projects is the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, a transformational expansion that will add approximately 120,000 square feet of modern healthcare space, including 80 new patient rooms, dedicated Women's and Children's Services floors, a modernized Emergency Department and a rooftop helipad. Additional investments include renovations to patient care towers, expansion of the central utility plant, infrastructure improvements along Squalicum Parkway and relocation of the Childbirth Center.

His leadership also helped foster significant philanthropic support for healthcare. In partnership with the St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, donors contributed more than 31,800 gifts totaling over $121 million in cash, pledges and bequest intentions during his tenure. These investments continue to advance patient care programs, community health initiatives and capital projects across the region.

PeaceHealth will begin a search for Prosper's successor immediately. To ensure continuity and a smooth transition, Prosper will remain in his role while the search is conducted and is expected to continue leading through the end of the year.

"Chuck has been an extraordinary leader whose influence will be felt long after his retirement," said Mark Korth, Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation and Operations Officer. "His commitment to our mission, dedication to our caregivers and passion for serving our communities have helped transform healthcare in the region. We are deeply grateful for all he has contributed to PeaceHealth. His leadership has helped shape not only what has been accomplished to date, but also a strong foundation for the future of our organization and the communities we serve."

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a nonprofit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission.

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