PULLMAN, WA – After a 38-year career at Pullman Regional Hospital, Steve Febus, Chief Financial Officer, will be retiring in January 2026.
“Steve's contributions to our hospital, our community, and the healthcare industry at large are beyond words—nothing short of remarkable,” says Matt Forge, CEO of Pullman Regional Hospital. “Widely regarded as one of the top CFOs in the state for almost four decades, Steve has been a steady, strategic financial leader, helping to shape and sustain our mission of excellence in healthcare.”
For nearly four decades, the rhythm of hospital life and the heartbeat of a small college town became the backdrop to Steve Febus’ remarkable career. The story begins in 1983 when his high school sweetheart, now wife, Meridee, had her sights set on Pullman and the Washington State University Pharmacy program. They called Pullman home, Steve earned his BA in Business Administrative, Accounting from WSU in 1987, and they made a life in Pullman for nearly 20 years.
His path into healthcare finance began through Meridee’s internship at Pullman Memorial Hospital. While she was working with pharmacist Bill Gaskins, Steve was introduced to the hospital’s team and quickly found a role that suited both his skills and his desire to make a meaningful impact. Working alongside Bernadette Berney, Steve stepped into accounting and payroll functions, learning the ins and outs of rural healthcare from the ground up.
In those early days, Pullman Memorial was substantially smaller and limited in resources than today’s public hospital, however, it was rich in dedication. The finance team was just two people—Steve and the Controller—but the opportunity for growth was limitless. Over time, he moved into the Controller role, then Director of Revenue Cycle and Fiscal, and eventually Chief Financial Officer. He played a pivotal role in a shared-services initiative with Gritman Medical Center in the early ’90s, which laid the groundwork for a more strategic approach to healthcare operations.
Steve’s career spanned incredible transformations—from a hospital with no employed doctors and a tiny emergency department to what is now Pullman Regional Hospital, with over 50 physicians and 16 clinics. He helped lead the transition to the new facility, supported capital projects, and worked to expand services in ways that met the evolving needs of the community.
Throughout his career, Steve’s guiding principles remained constant: integrity, transparency, and stewardship. Whether balancing budgets or planning for future growth, he kept patient care and community impact at the center of every decision. Colleagues describe his leadership as collaborative, steady, and empowering. He trusted his team, encouraged growth, and believed deeply in supporting those around him—both personally and professionally.
Among his proudest accomplishments were the relationships he built, the strong finance team he developed, and the culture of fiscal responsibility that helped the hospital weather industry storms. Steve found special meaning in mentoring emerging leaders and witnessing their success. Gratitude from patients, stories from physicians, and quiet moments of reflection all added layers of fulfillment.
Now, as he enters retirement, Steve looks forward to more time with family—but not entirely stepping away. He envisions consulting or volunteering, particularly in support of rural hospitals. His passion remains strong: to help shape the future of healthcare delivery with creativity, compassion, and a continued sense of mission. Pullman may have been a place he arrived at for college, but it became the place where he built a legacy.
Pullman Regional is working with a recruiting firm to conduct a national search for the role of Chief Financial Officer. The hospital seeks to fill the position in late 2025.
Media Contact
Alison Weigley, Director of External Relations
Pullman Regional Hospital
Office: (509) 332-2041 / Cell: (509) 330-0242
alison.weigley@pullmanregional.org