The St. Vincent General Hospital District (SVGHD) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Justin “Bubba” Bartlett as the next Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent Health.

The CEO position is employed by Cypress Health, the hospital’s management company. At the direction of the SVGHD Board, Cypress Health President Tony Pfaff extended the offer of employment to Bartlett.

After a thorough search and candidate vetting, Cypress Health presented Bartlett as the top choice, and the Board confirmed his selection at its August 25 meeting. Bartlett visited Leadville to meet with SVGHD board members and hospital leadership in August.

Jay Coon, SVGHD Board Chair said, “The SVGHD Board of Directors looks forward to working with Bubba Bartlett. We have full confidence in our partnership with Cypress Health and are glad they’ve brought us a strong leader to continue our mission of caring for Lake County.”

Having served most recently as President and CEO of a Critical Access Hospital in Montana, Bartlett is a healthcare leader with 14-plus years of experience in business development innovation, finance, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships in rural communities and national health systems.

Bartlett, his wife, and their two young children are eager to relocate to Leadville, embrace small-town life, and enjoy Lake County’s outdoor recreation.

“I am impressed by this hospital’s success and commitment to rural healthcare. I look forward to building on that success and finding new opportunities to serve the people of Lake County,” Bartlett commented.

He will succeed current CEO Andy Dreesen, who announced his resignation in July and will step down on September 19. Bartlett will join SVH as CEO in early October 2025. Until then, Cypress Health and the hospital’s senior leadership team will ensure continuity of operations. St. Vincent Health will host a community meet and greet with Bartlett in the near future.

About Cypress Health
Headquartered in Deer Lodge, MT, Cypress Health specializes in helping rural hospitals remain independent and locally controlled. Recognized for guiding small hospitals through financial challenges, Cypress hospitals consistently demonstrate operational and financial excellence.

About St. Vincent Health
St. Vincent Health (SVH) is designated as a Critical Access Hospital and has served Lake County since 1879, supporting the community through cycles of mining and tourism. Today, SVH operates from both its 1958 building and its 2021 hospital, offering a wide range of services including 8 acute care beds, a 24/7 Emergency Department, Rural Health Clinic (Primary Care), Specialty Clinics, rehab therapy, imaging, lab, wound care, ambulance services, and more.