Movers & Shakers: Compassus Names Medical Director for Cleveland Hospice Program

New Medical Director for Compassus’ Cleveland Hospice Program

Compassus—a nationwide network of community-based hospice, palliative and home health programs based in Nashville—announced Monday it has tapped Charles Koepke as medical director for the hospice program serving Cleveland and surrounding communities.

Founded in 2006, Compassus has more than 150 local programs in 31 states.

As medical director, Koepke will work with patients’ primary care physicians and other medical professionals in developing care plans meeting individuals’ needs. Koepoke has been a physician at Ridgepark Medical Associates, Inc., since 2000, also serving as the organization’s president.

VNA Treasure Coast Chooses President and CEO

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of the Treasure Coast has named Lundy Fields as its new president and CEO, the TC Palm reported. Fields had joined VNA’s board of directors in August 2017, according to the coverage.

VNA Treasure Coast is a nonprofit that provides home health, therapy and private-duty services throughout Indian River County in Florida. It is the county’s only licensed hospice provider, according to the organization.

Prior to his new position, Fields had worked in the United Kingdom as managing director of My Health Solutions Ltd. and CEO at Fields Consulting, where he helped implement the U.K. adoption of health care kiosks. Fields has also served as president of MöInlycke Health Care and Novartis.

Vitalus Health Welcomes New VP of Health Services 

Houston-based Vitalus Health has hired Karen DeJean as the company’s new vice president of health services.

Among her duties, DeJean will be responsible for developing a unique, technology-driven airway and heart home health program, helping to bridge the gap between inpatient and outpatient care, according to the announcement.

Vitalus—originally a small durable medical equipment company that sold wheelchairs, walkers and commodes—is a provider of health and wellness solutions that focus on pulmonary disease management, as well as sleep and neurological diagnostics. The company is currently in the midst of restructuring its entire home health business—Vitalus Home—to focus predominately on heart and pulmonary health.

Vitalus was purchased by its current owner, K. Cody Patel, in 2012.

Utah Association For Home Care Elects New Vice President 

The Utah Association For Home Care (UAHC) announced Monday that Clay Watson has been named vice president of the Salt Lake City-based organization. Watson’s move to vice president was made during the association’s annual convention last week, according to UAHC.

The election of Clay leaves his former position—UAHC Therapy Chair—vacated.

UAHC is a nonprofit organization representing a majority of the home health and private personal care agencies in Utah, according to the association. It has more than 120 member organizations.

The Eden Alternative Fills President and CEO Spot

Jill Vitale-Aussem has been named the new president and CEO of The Eden Alternative, an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening quality of life for elders and their caregivers. Chris Perna, who previously held both titles, is retiring after eight years of leading The Eden Alternative, which also provides education and consultation for organizations across the continuum of care.

Vitale-Aussem has more than 20 years experience in aging services, according to the nonprofit. Prior to joining The Eden Alternative as president and CEO, she served as vice president of operations of Cappella Living Solutions, the management and consulting arm of Colorado-based Christian Living Communities.

Co-founded by Bill Thomas and Jude Thomas more than two decades ago, The Eden Alternative’s partners include It’s Never Too Late, LifeBio, Brand Integrity, Eklego, Carematch America, RCare and SWBR. The nonprofit is based in New York.

Written by Robert Holly