Centra Health Bids Farewell to CEO Amy Carrier: Richard Tugman Named Interim CEO

After three years of serving as CEO, Amy Carrier has stepped down from her position at Centra Health in Lynchburg. The organization has announced a change in leadership, with an interim CEO taking over while they search for a permanent leader.

Richard Tugman, who previously served as Centra’s interim CEO in 2021 for nine months, has been chosen to lead the organization during this transition period. Thomas Nygaard, the chairman of Centra’s board of directors, praised Tugman’s leadership skills and community respect, stating that he is the right person to lead Centra forward.

The decision for a leadership change was made due to the ever-evolving nature of the healthcare industry. Nygaard noted that in the past, it was common for a CEO to remain in their position for decades, but now, new leadership is often needed to adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare.

All ongoing projects in Centra’s modernization plan will continue as planned. These include the construction of a behavioral health and rehabilitation hospital and a new medical office building. Nygaard emphasized the importance of these projects for improving patient care at Centra.

Centra’s board of directors will take their time in selecting a permanent leader without setting a specific timeline for the decision. They are confident that Tugman’s leadership will ensure a smooth transition as they search for a new CEO to guide Centra into the future.