Rick Cagen is the new vice president and administrator of Silverton Hospital, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a top-level health care executive and community leader.
Cagen is well-known throughout Oregon, as well as nationally, for his knowledge of current health care issues and for his strong commitment to serving the community. He begins working at Silverton Hospital Oct. 1.
“We conducted an extensive search for many months to find the right person to lead Silverton Hospital as we continue to grow to serve the needs of our community,” William Winter, president of Silverton Health Network, said.
“We are very fortunate to have someone of Rick’s caliber and experience.”
Cagen, 59, has served as CEO and administrator of Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland since 2008.
Prior to that, he held top leadership positions for six years at Providence Health & Services in Oregon, where he oversaw three acute-care hospitals in the Portland area, home and community services, and physician clinics.
In addition, Cagen was responsible for overseeing strategic planning and growth, physician recruitment, public affairs and government relations, physician and nursing leadership, medical research programs and ethics.
“This is an extremely innovative organization. It also is one of the few health care organizations I know of that has so many opportunities for growth,” Cagen said.
“Most others are just hunkering down and holding on right now. But this remains one of the few successful independent hospitals anywhere. That was critical to me.”
During his 30-year career, Cagen has played an active leadership role in volunteer organizations such as the YMCA, Volunteers of America, chambers of commerce, United Way, and homeless shelters.
He also has served in leadership roles with the Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Systems, the American College of Health Care Executives, and the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees.
