Columbia County Hospital District Chief Executive Officer Dale E. Polla resigned on August 1, 2013 following a special executive session of the Board of Commissioners here.

Polla leaves the District after nearly nine months of service to the District. The Board of Commissioners cited several compelling factors to Polla’s resignation; including a change in the direction of District overall management, embrace of the detalls of the coming Affordable Care Act and the long-term operational health of the District.

The Hospital District has announced the retention of Jon Smiley as the interim CEO. Jon is familiar with our organization and assisted us for several months with a previous transition. He has served as the CEO of Sunnyside Community Hospital & Clinics and remains very active in the healthcare industry in various capacities. He was the longest-serving hospital CEO in the state. In addition to his leadership in hospitals, Jon has been a leader within the Washington State Hospital Association, providing excellent counsel and service to improve health care for all residents of Washington State. In 2005, Jon was awarded WSHA’s Joe Hopkins Award, given each year to an individual making great contributions to rural health care.