Big Bear Lake, CA, April 12, 2016 – The Board of Directors of Bear Valley Community Healthcare District is pleased to announce the appointment of John Friel as the new Chief Executive Officer effective May 9th, 2016. He will succeed David M. Faulkner, who has served as the Healthcare District’s Interim CEO since August of 2015.
Board President Donna Nicely noted,“ The Board is thrilled to have unanimously approved John Friel as our new CEO. We believe that he is a great fit for the District, as well as the community.” She also expressed gratitude for the leadership provided by David Faulkner as Interim CEO. “He has done a wonderful job stabilizing our organization and guiding us toward the future.”
Mr. Friel brings 25+ years of healthcare experience to the position. He will be responsible for the leadership of the hospital as well as working with the Board of Directors and the community in continuing to bring quality healthcare to the residents and visitors of Big Bear Valley.
Mr. Friel stated “I’m excited to join the team of professional caregivers of physicians, Board, employees and volunteers at Bear Valley Community Hospital. I look forward to continue the quest for the highest quality of care possible for the residents and visitors of the District. My wife Connie and I will be relocating to Big Bear Lake and are eager to get involved within the community.”
Prior to joining the District, Mr. Friel served most recently as Chief Executive Officer for Catalina Island Medical Center. He comes to the District with critical access hospital experience, as well as experience in resort communities, rural health, bond campaigns, lobbying federal legislation, grants, seismic retrofitting and union negotiations, among many other valuable skills for our unique facility. Mr. Friel began his career as a nurse, and has served in our armed forces as a First Lieutenant staff nurse.
