The VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, (VNAHSR), one of the state’s largest providers of skilled home health and hospice services, announced March 29 that its board of directors has appointed Sara C. King as chief executive officer. She will replace Ron Cioffi, RN, CEO who is retiring in June. King assumed the leadership role on April 5.
The board of directors, through an executive search committee, began the search process in December and did a full review of the scope of responsibilities, and surveyed staff regarding leadership.
“Sara is a natural choice for this position,” said Dan DiBattista, president of the board of directors at VNAHSR. “With her 20-year background in home health care and her demonstrated skills as a leader, Sara is committed to advancing home-based care and hospice care in Bennington and Rutland Counties.”
Sara King, a graduate of Russell Sage College with a BS in accounting, has extensive experience in home health and healthcare administration. Her expertise includes implementing successful transitions to federal and state reimbursement systems, mergers, business development, electronic medical record implementation, and operations management.
Most recently, King served as the chief financial officer and chief operations officer at the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. During her tenure, King was key in the acquisition, integration, and expansion of the agency, strengthened the agency’s financial position, and created processes that greatly enhance the organization’s ability to meet the growing demand for services. King serves on the board of directors for the VNA Health Systems and VNA’s of Vermont and is a member of the Rutland Health Alliance.
“I am honored to join the CEOs who have come before me and have shaped this agency,” said King. “I look forward to continuing my commitment to advancing cost-effective, compassionate home-based care to our communities’ most vulnerable individuals.”
“The dramatic growth of the senior population over the next 15 years has vast implications for home health agencies such as ours,” noted King. “I am focused on building on our 75 years of care so that we can meet the needs of the expanding elderly population through community partnerships and innovation.”
Founded in Rutland, the VNAHSR has grown to include locations throughout Bennington and Rutland Counties. VNAHSR is a non-profit, Medicare-certified home health and hospice agency with office locations in Bennington, Dorset, Manchester, and Rutland.
