PULLMAN, WA–Pullman Regional Hospital’s Board of Commissioners appointed Cheryl Oliver as President at the January 7 public board meeting.
PJ Sanchez will continue in his role as Vice President; Anna Nofsinger was appointed Secretary, a role previously filled by Oliver.
Oliver joined the board in 2023; she is the Associate Dean for Professional Programs at Washington State University’s Carson College of Business.
“Four items will be the hallmarks of my leadership this year: Community, Care experience, Expansion, Public status now and for the future,” said Cheryl Oliver, newly appointed President of the Pullman Regional Hospital Board of Commissioners.
“It is important to me that the community recognizes Pullman Regional is a public hospital—owned by the community—and that the voice of the community is imperative to our success; what are the needs, wants and ideas of our stakeholders? We want to hear from you,” said Oliver.
Oliver succeeds Tricia Grantham, who has served as board President multiple times, totaling 8 years. Grantham joined the board in 2005 when the new hospital on Bishop Boulevard opened. She will continue her service; her current 6-year term concludes in 2027.
“I remember when I first saw the opening for the position,” reflects Grantham. “I have always been involved in healthcare; it’s an institution I really believe in. Running for the position of commissioner aligned with my lifelong passion. I was rooted in Pullman, and I knew we’d be here long term. More than 47 years later, we still are. To see the growth of Pullman Regional is incredible. Serving as commissioner is such a good opportunity and incredibly rewarding.”
“Pullman Regional is committed to providing a care experience that from start to finish is transparent, patient-focused and supportive,” said Oliver. “We are on a journey to keep improving in all areas of patient experience.”
Grantham affirms there is great leadership at the hospital and the Board of Commissioners. During her time as President and recent years of service on the board, she recalls strengthening the governance committee
structure by updating bylaws, policies and the CEO assessment process. Additionally, she helped hire Tammy Dahl as Chief Nursing Officer and Craig Carstens as Chief Financial Officer, as well as chaired the CEO search Committee to hire Matt Forge as CEO. She supported board involvement with the passage of the hospital’s bond for the Patient Care Expansion Project with 76% super majority and organized physician and staff advocacy.
“The Patient Care Expansion Project is important to our ability to provide an outstanding care experience right here at home. We are committed to continuation of service through the construction,” said Oliver.
“As a community-owned hospital, we are committed to refining systems of sustainability and scalability to ensure we remain public long into the future. We want to remain fiscally responsible—investing wisely—providing a great place to work, delivering outstanding care and growing with the community,” said Oliver.
“We are dedicated to progress,” said Grantham. “You don’t have to leave Pullman to get the healthcare you need. We are proud of how we’ve increased access, especially to primary care. Progress is being made, and I’m so grateful to be part of it and in service of our community.”
About the Pullman Regional Hospital Board of Commissioners
The Pullman Regional Hospital Board of Commissioners, an elected body, is legally responsible for overseeing hospital district policies and organization with respect to the district’s operation, including the delivery of quality patient care and meeting community healthcare needs. Commissioners meet monthly in person at Pullman Regional Hospital with an option to also participate through Zoom. All board meetings are open to the public and provide a public comment period. Board members encourage questions also be sent their way; contact information is listed on the webpage www.pullmanregional.org/board
Media Contact:
Alison Weigley, Strategic Planning & Business Development Director
Public Information Officer
Pullman Regional Hospital
Office: (509) 332-2041 / Cell: (509) 330-0242
alison.weigley@pullmanregional.org