PeaceHealth Northwest CEO To Retire In December
Chuck Prosper will conclude his leadership of the PeaceHealth Northwest network on December 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you trust that leadership changes at your local hospital will improve patient care?
PeaceHealth announced that Chief Executive Chuck Prosper will step down from his role at the Northwest network on December 31, 2026. The organization plans to begin an immediate search for his successor as it continues ongoing development projects in Bellingham.
Why it matters
Prosper has led the healthcare network since 2019, overseeing significant growth in community support and regional hospital expansion. His departure marks a transition point for the organization as it manages the construction of the new Peter Paulsen Pavilion.
PeaceHealth raised over $120 million in donations under Prosper's leadership. The upcoming St. Joseph Medical Center expansion will add 120,000 square feet and 80 patient rooms to the facility.
The players
Chuck Prosper
He is the outgoing Chief Executive of the PeaceHealth Northwest network who has led the organization since 2019.
PeaceHealth
This is a non-profit Catholic health system that serves communities across the Pacific Northwest, including Bellingham.
St. Joseph Medical Center
This Bellingham facility is a major hospital currently undergoing a significant capacity expansion.
The details
The hospital is currently managing the Peter Paulsen Pavilion project, which remains on track for completion in 2028. PeaceHealth will host a community healthcare forum in Bellingham on October 22, 2026, to engage with local residents.
Timeline
Chuck Prosper began leading the PeaceHealth northwest network in 2019.
The retirement of Chuck Prosper was announced on October 13, 2026.
PeaceHealth will host a community healthcare forum on October 22, 2026.
The official retirement date for Chuck Prosper is December 31, 2026.
The St. Joseph Medical Center expansion is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Market Landscape
The leadership transition follows the strategic trajectory established by the 2028 St. Joseph Medical Center expansion project. This change allows the health system to align its executive vision with the long-term operational goals of its major regional facility.
Residents can engage directly with hospital leadership regarding future service changes at the community forum on October 22, 2026. The completion of the new medical pavilion in 2028 is expected to increase patient capacity and improve care access in the local area.
The takeaway
Prosper's departure underscores the importance of long-term capital projects in sustaining hospital growth. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming forums to stay informed about how the administrative transition will impact local medical services.
What happens next
The organization will host a community healthcare forum in Bellingham on October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more background on how local charitable contributions shape regional development, visit our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Bellingham Now -.
Live Poll
Do you trust that leadership changes at your local hospital will improve patient care?
