Dewane Pace Named CEO of Willamette Valley Medical Center

McMinnville, Oregon (January 6, 2025) – Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) today announced that Dewane A. Pace, MBA, FACHE has been named its new chief executive officer (CEO). His first day on the job is Monday, February 17.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dewane into his new role as CEO at WVMC,” said Jen Alderfer, Western Division President of Lifepoint Health, of which WVMC is a part. “Dewane’s strong background in operations improvement, quality and service enhancements, strategic planning and program development, and team building, as well as his passion for patient satisfaction make him the right choice to lead WVMC into the future.”

A seasoned leader with more than forty years of healthcare experience, Pace joins WVMC from Haxtun Hospital District in Haxtun, CO, where he served as CEO since 2018. Prior to Haxtun, he served as chief operating officer at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO and administrator at Orlando Health’s Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, FL following an extensive career in laboratory services.

“In addition to his vast operational and clinical experience, Dewane is a patient-first leader with a strong commitment to ensuring that a hospital is connected to its community,” said Gioia Goodrum, chair of the WVMC Board of Trustees. “We are excited to welcome him to McMinnville and partner with him to create the next chapter in our hospital’s bright future.”  

Pace earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and holds a Diplomate in Laboratory Management from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. He has served on state hospital association boards and enjoys participating in local civic groups, foundations and boards.

“I am honored to join Willamette Valley Medical Center and Lifepoint Health,” said Pace. “WVMC is a great hospital in a wonderful community, and I look forward to working alongside our passionate team of providers and staff to advance our mission of making communities healthier for Yamhill County and the surrounding region.”