Delta Health in Colorado announced a leadership shakeup on November 15, 2025, when its Board of Directors parted ways with CEO Jonathan Cohee shortly after he shared plans to leave within six months. Julie Huffman, the hospital’s Chief Legal Officer, steps in as Interim CEO right away to keep operations smooth during this change.
Details of the CEO Transition
The board acted fast once Cohee notified them of his departure plans. This move ends his contract early, though exact reasons stay under wraps for now. Delta Health, a key non profit healthcare provider in Delta County, aims to stay steady amid the shift. Staff and patients can expect no big disruptions in services.
Huffman shared her thoughts in a recent statement. She pointed out that the hospital has handled changes like this before. Her role starts now, and she plans to focus on the core mission of quality care for the community.
Who Is the New Interim Leader?
Julie Huffman brings deep experience to the top spot. She has served as Chief Legal Officer for years and even acted as interim CEO back in 2023 during another transition. Her background includes handling legal matters and guiding the hospital through tough financial times.
Under her watch before, Delta Health tackled budget issues and kept services running. Huffman holds key positions on the leadership team and knows the inner workings well. Community members see her as a steady hand who puts patients first.
Experts in healthcare say interim leaders like her help bridge gaps without major overhauls. Huffman stressed that the hospital’s goals remain the same, focusing on local needs in Delta, Colorado.
Jonathan Cohee’s Time at the Helm
Jonathan Cohee took over as CEO in July 2024, after serving as Chief Operating Officer. He came with over 25 years in healthcare, including a master’s in administration. During his tenure, he pushed for better operations and community ties.
Cohee led efforts to integrate behavioral health services into primary care clinics this August. He also got elected as president of the One Delta County economic board earlier this year. His focus was on value based care and meeting local demands.
Yet challenges marked his short stint. The hospital faced provider shortages and money woes, leading to tough calls like pausing labor and delivery services in September. Birth rates dropped, and staffing gaps forced a partnership with nearby Montrose Regional Health for those services.
Key Challenges Facing Delta Health
Delta Health has dealt with ups and downs lately. Financial pressures hit hard, with the state asking for $3.2 million back in July over some funding issues. This could strain resources for things like oncology and urgent care.
Community pushback grew over the birth unit closure. A petition started in August urged the board to rethink it, citing the need for local maternity care. Workers said they lacked clear talks from leadership, adding to tensions.
Here are some recent hurdles the hospital navigated:
- Provider shortages in key areas like obstetrics since early 2020.
- Declining birth volumes, with only 111 deliveries in 2024.
- Rising administrative fees from the state, up over 250% in a decade.
To show the leadership timeline, check this table of recent changes:
| Year | Event | Key Figure |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Interim CEO appointed after prior leader leaves | Julie Huffman |
| 2024 | New CEO starts in July | Jonathan Cohee |
| 2025 | Labor and delivery paused in September | Board decision |
| 2025 | Behavioral health integrated in August | Cohee’s initiative |
| 2025 | Current transition announced November 15 | Huffman as interim |
These steps highlight efforts to adapt in a rural setting where Delta Health is the second largest employer.
What Lies Ahead for the Hospital
The board searches for a permanent CEO to build on past work. Huffman will oversee daily tasks while they look. No timeline is set, but they aim to wrap it up soon to avoid more uncertainty.
This change comes at a time when rural hospitals nationwide face similar issues. Provider shortages and costs affect many spots like Delta. Yet, partnerships and integrations show promise for better care.
Patients wonder how this affects services. Officials say routines stay the same, with focus on safety and access. Recent moves like the behavioral health update help meet growing mental health needs in the area.
As Delta Health moves forward, it ties into broader trends in Colorado healthcare. More rural spots seek ways to team up for stronger support. This transition could spark fresh ideas for growth.
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