BGH transitions to new CEO John Hennessy

SANDPOINT — Bonner General Health's board of directors has named John Hennessy to serve as the hospital's new chief executive officer.

Hennessy, who has served as BGH's chief financial officer for the past seven years, will replace current CEO Sheryl Rickard in the position. Rickard announced in October that she was retiring effective Dec. 15.

“It's a tremendous honor and privilege for me to serve as the chief executive officer of a hospital that has such a long and proud history of providing quality, compassionate care to our community," Hennessy said. "I'm also honored to continue building on the legacy of Sheryl Rickard. Sheryl’s 37 years of leadership here have positioned BGH for continued success well into the future.”

Hennessy has worked closely with Rickard for a combined seven years. The hospital is in good hands with Hennessy, Rickard said.

“I have every confidence that our fantastic team, under the leadership of John Hennessy, will continue to grow our services and positively impact the health of our community,” she added.

Hennessy received his undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University in business administration and his master’s in health policy and administration from Washington State University. In addition to his time as chief financial officer at BGH, Hennessy has served in additional financial leadership roles throughout his career.

Hennessy served as the finance officer for Riverside Regional Medical Center in Virginia, a Level II trauma center, overseeing the financial activities of the 450-bed flagship hospital, its Behavioral Health Center, a 127-bed psychiatric hospital, and outpatient centers, with a gross revenue of $3 billion. He has worked in additional financial leadership roles in the region, with proven financial stability and growth in the organizations he has served.

Hennessy is active on the Idaho Hospital Association VENTURES board and will replace Rickard on the Yellowstone Insurance Board.

Replacing Hennessy as CFO is Skyler Twidt. Born and raised in North Idaho, Twidt received his bachelor's degree at the University of Idaho in business with an emphasis in accounting/finance.

Twidt brings 10-plus years of accounting and finance experience, eight specializing in healthcare and progressive financial leadership. Most recently, he served as the director of financial planning and analysis for Kootenai Health. Twidt joined BGH last month and has been working alongside Hennessy to familiarize himself with the hospital's mission, vision, and values.

"I am thrilled to be part of the exceptional Bonner General Health leadership team," Twidt said. "I am energized by the passion and pride of this community-driven group. I’m eager to build upon the excellent groundwork laid by John and Sheryl and excited about the amazing things I know BGH can achieve in the future."

Hennessy and Twidt will lead BGH and its 430 employees, along with the hospital's senior leadership team. Also on the leadership team are Shannon Barnes, chief human resources officer; Becki Dotson, chief nursing officer; and Dr. Stacey Good, chief medical officer.

Bonner General Health is a 25-bed critical access hospital and healthcare network of outpatient clinics in Sandpoint, providing comprehensive medical services to patients in North Idaho, eastern Washington, and western Montana.