Alta Vista CEO leaving for Roswell

Maridel Acosta, who has served as Alta Vista Regional Hospital’s chief executive officer for two years, is leaving the post.

The hospital formally announced Acosta’s impending departure late Thursday, saying a search for a full-time chief executive is under way. Board and Medical Staff leaders are involved in the interview process and final selection, the hospital said in a news release.

Mayor Alfonso Ortiz recognized Acosta during Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, praising the job she has done here. “We’re going to miss you ...,” Ortiz told her. “We appreciate everything you’ve done for the community of Las Vegas.”

“It’s been a pleasure, a true pleasure, serving the community,” Acosta responded.

Acosta is returning to Eastern New Mexico Medical Center in Roswell as its CEO. She served as assistant CEO of the Roswell hospital prior to taking the Alta Vista job.

Both hospitals are owned by Tennessee-based Community Health Systems.

“We’re sad to see her leave Alta Vista, but are proud that her successes with our team have led to this career opportunity for her,” said Wayne Sonchar, chairman of Alta Vista’s Board of Trustees. “We have all come to know and respect Maridel’s passion for building relationships, and for inspiring us all to work together to meet our goals. We sincerely appreciate everything she has done for our hospital and community and are confident she will continue to thrive in her new leadership role in Roswell.”

Acosta was brought in as interim CEO at Alta Vista in Sept. of 2010 after the resignation of Richard Grogan, her predecessor. The hospital announced three months later that she would be keeping the job permanently.

Sonchar, in the news release, called Acosta an enthusiastic leader. The hospital said that since 2010, she has recruited 10 new physicians and introduced new services, including tele-neurology to improve local access to specialty care.

At Wednesday’s Council meeting, Ortiz read a proclamation praising Acosta’s involvement in the community and crediting her with enhancing the hospital’s reputation in the community.

The hospital said a transition date will be finalized in the next few weeks.

“I am very thankful to our employees, providers, and the entire community for receiving me with open arms and making these past two years in Las Vegas feel like home for my husband and me,” Acosta said in the hospital’s release. “I am honored to have served as CEO at Alta Vista Regional Hospital where we have made great strides in improving the quality of care and satisfaction of our patients, employees and medical staff.

“I am proud of our employees, medical team and volunteers who are the heart of the hospital that will continue to provide quality care to our patients,” she added.