Aviva Health Names Dr. Jay Richards Interim CEO

Aviva Health has selected Dr. Jay Richards to lead the organization on an interim basis as its Board of Directors continues searching for a permanent chief executive officer.

The appointment took effect immediately.

Richards previously served as Aviva Health’s chief medical officer and has been part of the organization’s senior leadership team. In that role, he helped oversee clinical operations and supported Aviva’s work to provide accessible health care services throughout Douglas County.

Board President Nick Jones said Richards’ familiarity with Aviva Health, its patients and its employees will provide stability during the leadership transition. The board believes his clinical background and experience within the organization will help maintain consistent operations while the permanent CEO search moves forward.

Richards said his immediate priorities will include supporting Aviva employees, maintaining uninterrupted patient care and providing steady leadership throughout the transition.

Dr. Derwood Basham has also been named deputy chief medical officer. Basham will help oversee Aviva’s clinical leadership responsibilities while Richards serves as interim CEO.

Aviva Health also confirmed that Patrick Hull is no longer serving as interim CEO. Hull had held the temporary position since mid-April. The board thanked him for his work during the transition and wished him well in the future.

The organization said its primary care, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and specialty services will continue operating normally while the board searches for its next permanent leader.

A timeline for completing the CEO search has not been announced.