Loma Linda University Medical Center’s chief operating officer, Terry Hansen, MPH, is retiring. His last day of work was Dec. 11.
“I’ve been privileged to be a part of an excellent leadership team,” he says. “I’m leaving knowing the Medical Center is in great hands.” Hansen adds that working with Kerry Heinrich, JD, CEO and friend, has been an honor.
Heinrich, in turn, points out the key accomplishments made by Hansen, including recruiting a group of talented individuals to the Medical Center leadership team and implementing Project NOWW, which is an initiative seeing success in improving the financial bottom line.
“Terry Hansen is a true believer in the mission of Loma Linda University Health,” Heinrich says. “With his extensive experience and expertise, he has served Loma Linda University Medical Center well. We will miss him and wish him the best in retirement.”
Retiring is bittersweet, Hansen says. “I love Loma Linda. If I were five years younger, I’d be happy to stay longer.”
He joined the Medical Center leadership team in September 2014, coming out of retirement at the request of Heinrich. Now, with his requested accomplishments completed, he will return to his Northern California home to again enjoy retirement with his wife.
This has been the second time Hansen has served as COO of LLU Medical Center, previously having held this role from 1995 to 2000. In total, he has garnered more than 40 years of health care leadership experience during his career. Other organizations he has helped lead include St. Helena Hospital, Hospital Governance, Inc. and Paradise Valley Hospital.
Hansen is also an alumnus of Loma Linda University, where he graduated with a master’s degree in public health.
Colleagues held a retirement party for Hansen Dec. 3. A framed sign placed on the wall said, “Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.”
Loma Linda University Health wishes Hansen great traveling.