Meeker

Huey ‘at home’ as PMC’s interim CEO

Ken Huey
MEEKER I Ken Huey doesn’t know how long he’ll be the interim chief executive officer at Pioneers Medical Center.
But, however long it turns out to be, one thing is for sure: He feels at home.
“From a CEO standpoint, I’ve quickly felt this is my hospital,” Huey said. “It’s been a great experience.”
Huey took over after former CEO Bob Omer resigned after six years at the helm. Huey started at PMC on Feb. 24. He wasn’t sure what kind of situation he was stepping into.
“What I saw was an organization that was very appreciative of their previous CEO,” Huey said. “Certainly, his decision to leave caused many employees to go through their own sadness and grief, but I didn’t see that affecting anyone’s relationship to me at all. I couldn’t have felt more welcome.”
Huey’s role is that of a caretaker. But at the same time, he’s the acting CEO.
“The board said you’re the interim, but we want you to run things like you’re going to be here for a long, long time,” Huey said. “They didn’t want a placeholder. They wanted me to come in and keep things moving forward.”
And he has.
“Ken is doing real well in leading Pioneers while the board is actively engaged in recruiting a new CEO,” said Dr. Albert Krueger, the hospital’s chief of staff.
The hospital has announced the hiring of Dr. Frank Tong, who will start at PMC the first of July. He’s coming to Meeker from Broomfield.
“He was recruited prior to my coming on the scene,” Huey said. “From everything I’ve heard about him from people who have met him, they’re excited about him joining our physicians.”
Along with full-time Drs. Albert Krueger and Kellie Turner, PMC has been using visiting physicians to provide temporary coverage until it can fill the two openings on its medical staff.
“We’re still searching for another doc,” Huey said. “The board has approved what they call a four-physician model. Four physicians will make for a comfortable and solid arrangement.”
Adding Dr. Tong will take some of the pressure off of Drs. Krueger and Turner.
“With Dr. Tong joining us, certainly we’re not feeling the pressure when we had just two (full-time doctors),” Huey said. “On the other hand, we do intend to be moving forward with our search, but I don’t think anybody had put a timeline on it. It’s more of a matter of taking our time to make sure it is a good fit with the community and a good fit with the other doctors.”
The PMC board has undergone its own changes. Kris Borchard, who had been the board president, decided not to run for re-election in May after learning she had pancreatic cancer. Dondi Glasscock, another longtime member, decided not to seek re-election. Two new members were voted onto the board in the May election — Mike Hoke and Todd Young.
“Dondi had served on the board 11 years and Kris nine and both had served as president,” Huey said. “So those were significant losses in the sense that it’s hard to replace people with that much experience, but others have demonstrated a willingness to take on that leadership.”
At the first board meeting after the election, Tom Allen was voted the new president, Paul “Buckshot” Sheridan was elected vice president and Diane Dunham will continue as secretary/treasurer.
The board also changed its meeting time from an evening meeting to a noon meeting on the third Thursday of the month.
“It’s going to be sort of a trial thing to see if works for everybody,” Huey said.
While looking to hire another doctor, the board is also looking to find a full-time CEO to replace Huey.
“You assume it might be four or five months going in,” Huey said of the duration of his role as interim CEO. “That allows a board not to feel rushed in making a decision to find a person who is the right match. Beyond that, it is kind of uncertain.”
The search for a new CEO is ongoing.
“The board has had two candidates come to Meeker in the last several weeks and interviewed them,” sad Huey, who is not on the search committee. “After those interviews … the board did make the decision that they did want to see more candidates. I anticipate there will be more (interviews) in June.”
Huey, 67, retired in 2006. His wife lives back in Longmont, where he was the CEO of the hospital there for 25 years.
“After three years or so (of retirement), I decided I really missed it,” he said. “So I thought interim work might be a role that may make sense for me. One thing led to another and I ended up with Quorum Health Resources (a hospital management company) and this assignment.”
It has been a good fit … for now. As much as Huey has enjoyed his stint at PMC, he likes the “interim” part of his title.
“While that thought (of being the permanent CEO at Pioneers) is very tempting and I have really enjoyed this — it has been just a great experience and I find it refreshing — I find total retirement is not what I want to do, so it seems the interim work fits,” he said.
So, for however long he remains at Pioneers, Huey will keep doing what he’s been doing.
“We’re not just keeping the lights on,” he said. “We’re making decisions for the long haul.”
• • • • •
Former Pioneers CEO Bob Omer continues to serve as a trustee on Meeker’s Town Board and is pursuing other opportunities in the medical field.
“My search effort continues, and I have some prospects in Colorado, the midwest and the northwest. Nothing at a decision point just yet, but I will let you know when that happens,” Omer said recently.
His wife, Deb, was a second-grade teacher at Meeker Elementary School this year. She’ll return to teaching first grade next year, said MES Principal Jason Hightower.

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
5 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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3 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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