PeaceHealth to Search for New Northwest Chief Executive
The network will manage a leadership change ahead of the 2028 completion of its new 120,000-square-foot hospital pavilion.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Chuck Prosper will retire from his role as Chief Executive of the PeaceHealth Northwest network effective December 31, 2026. The healthcare system is initiating a search for his successor as it prepares for the completion of major campus expansion projects.
Why it matters
The leadership transition comes as the hospital system manages a $120 million philanthropic legacy and ongoing capital projects, signaling a shift in operational stewardship for local healthcare infrastructure.
During his leadership tenure since 2019, Chuck Prosper oversaw the collection of over $120 million in donations. The organization is currently advancing the Peter Paulsen Pavilion project, which adds 120,000 square feet and 80 new patient rooms to the St. Joseph Medical Center.
The players
Chuck Prosper
The outgoing Chief Executive of the PeaceHealth Northwest network who has led the organization since 2019.
PeaceHealth
A major nonprofit healthcare system operating hospitals and clinics across the Pacific Northwest.
St. Joseph Medical Center
A hospital facility in Bellingham currently undergoing a 120,000-square-foot expansion project.
The details
Prosper's departure marks a transition point for the regional network as it moves toward the 2028 completion of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion expansion. PeaceHealth will now begin a formal search process for a successor to oversee these facility assets and future operational strategies.
Timeline
2019: Chuck Prosper began leading PeaceHealth northwest network.
October 13, 2026: PeaceHealth announced the retirement of Chuck Prosper.
October 22, 2026: PeaceHealth community healthcare forum.
December 31, 2026: Chuck Prosper retirement effective date.
2028: Completion of St. Joseph Medical Center expansion.
Market Landscape
The leadership transition follows a period of significant capital development at the St. Joseph Medical Center. This change aligns with the multi-year timeline leading up to the 2028 completion of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion.
Operators in the healthcare and construction sectors should monitor the upcoming executive search for shifts in project procurement or community partnership strategies. Local businesses should track the progress of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, which is scheduled for completion in 2028.
The takeaway
The executive search underscores a period of high-stakes capital expansion for the regional healthcare provider. Business leaders should monitor the October 22, 2026 forum for signals regarding future administrative priorities and vendor requirements.
What happens next
PeaceHealth will host a community healthcare forum in Bellingham on October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more on how local institutions manage significant donations and growth, see Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Bellingham Now -.
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