PORT ANGELES — Richard Newman of Sequim is retiring after nearly 17 years as chief human resources officer at Olympic Medical Center.
His last day is Jan. 9.
“I have worked with Rich since he started in 2001, and he has been a tremendous asset to our organization,” Eric Lewis, CEO at Olympic Medical Center, said.
Newman came to OMC from a hospital in Reno, Nev., and brought with him the idea to create a service excellence program at Olympic Medical. This program grew into what OMC officials said is a valuable part of the new employee orientation process, and set the tone for new employees on how to work together to provide excellence in health care.
Newman also fostered the annual employee recognition program.
“It is clear that professionalism, recognition and development have been a focus for him,” Lewis said.
During Newman’s OMC career, the center has doubled in size and established new divisions, and developed workforce initiatives that have benefited the medical center, the organization said in a press release last week.
In addition to leading the human resources department, Newman also provided oversight for nutrition services and diabetes education, various support services, and marketing and communications.
The internal replacement for Newman will be announced in early January, OMC officials said.