HopeWest has announced Deneen Silva as its next Chief Executive Officer. Silva, currently serving as the Executive Director of the organization’s PACE program, will assume her new role in February 2025, succeeding current CEO Cassie Mitchell.
A Nurse’s Journey to Leadership
Silva’s career began in 2000 when she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Over the years, she gained extensive experience in the healthcare field, culminating in a Master of Science in Nursing in 2020. Silva credits her work with vulnerable populations and those facing life-limiting illnesses as the driving force behind her career.
“Once I started working with those two populations, I recognized that there was an ongoing need to reduce barriers and have really supportive advocates,” she said. Silva also emphasized the importance of understanding an organization’s culture and partnerships, qualities she plans to bring into her leadership role at HopeWest.
Joining HopeWest and the Road Ahead
In September 2024, Silva joined HopeWest as the Executive Director of the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). During her tenure, she worked closely with teams to provide compassionate care to elderly individuals, ensuring their needs were met comprehensively. Silva expressed her admiration for the dedication of the organization’s staff and the quality of care provided.
“My goal right now is to take all of this amazing work that’s being done and carry that legacy forward,” she said. Silva emphasized the importance of maintaining quality and continuity of care during the leadership transition.
Her sentiments reflect a deep respect for HopeWest’s mission. “The dedication, the hard work, and the quality care that’s being done every single day is inspiring. It leaves me awestruck,” Silva added.
A Transition in Leadership
Silva will officially step into her new role in February 2025, while Cassie Mitchell, the current CEO, continues to lead the organization until then. Mitchell’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping HopeWest’s legacy, and Silva aims to build on this strong foundation.
HopeWest is a cornerstone of the community, providing hospice, palliative, and grief support services to individuals and families across the Western Slope. With Silva’s extensive healthcare background and passion for serving vulnerable populations, the organization looks forward to continued success under her leadership.
