UCHealth names new chief nursing officer for Estes Valley Medical Center

Crystal_Mecham_headshot

Estes Park, Colo. – UCHealth announced today the promotion of Crystal Mecham to chief nursing officer at UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center  (EVMC). She will begin the role on June 21. 

Mecham has served UCHealth patients as a nursing house supervisor at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins for more than four years while also managing a private practice in Boulder as its executive director. She previously worked as the CEO at Banner Surgery Center – Loveland and the CEO and clinical director for Arête Surgical Center in Johnstown. 

Mecham holds a master’s degree in nursing administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, both from Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y. 

“As a healthcare leader with years of executive experience, Mecham will bring to this important role a commitment to patient care, a strong record of managing fiscal responsibilities, and a track record of implementing strategic goals,” said Vern Carda, president of EVMC. “As CNO, Mecham will focus on developing community relationships and hospital services while supporting our teams as we continue to integrate with the UCHealth system and all of the advanced medical care it offers.” 

Ben Hetrick has served as interim CNO at EVMC for the past year and helped guide a smooth shift into the UCHealth system. He will now take on a new role within the UCHealth affiliate services team. 

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to Ben Hetrick for stepping into the role of interim chief nursing officer for the previous year,” Carda said. “With a positive attitude and infectious smile that permeates throughout the hospital, Hetrick served as an integral role model for the staff to guide them through the transition into UCHealth with his leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and vast knowledge of nursing care and healthcare informatics.”