Harrison Medical Center CEO Bosch to retire effective July 31

March 28--BREMERTON -- Harrison Medical Center CEO Scott Bosch will retire in July, ending a 10-year tenure as the head of the Bremerton-based hospital.

Harrison made the announcement Friday. Bosch, 60, said he wanted to spend more time with his family and was proud of his achievements at Harrison.

"I came to Harrison with specific goals and a vision in mind," Bosch said in a statement. " ... I wanted to move this organization from good to great and I believe I have accomplished many of those goals."

July 31 will be Bosch's last day on the job. The Harrison board is developing a succession plan and hopes to have a new CEO selected before Bosch departs.

"Through Scott's leadership, Harrison Medical Center is now well-poised to fulfill its mission for generations to come," board Chairman Jim Civilla said. "He helped usher Harrison through a pivotal juncture in its history; one that will make a positive difference and create healthier communities far into the future."

Bosch guided the nonprofit hospital through a period of expansion. The hospital opened facilities in North Mason, Port Orchard, Silverdale and the Olympic Peninsula. An urgent care facility on Bainbridge Island is under construction.

Bosch also led the hospital through an affiliation process that aligned Harrison with Franciscan Health System last fall. Structural changes related to the merger began over the winter and will continue into next year.

Bosch said he'll spend the next four months working on the implementation of a new electronic record keeping system and assisting the board in its transition planning. Harrison is also in the midst of negotiating a new contract with its pro-tech employees.

The search for Bosch's replacement will begin in the next few weeks. Bosch earned a base pay of $488,081 in 2012 and an additional $504,028 in bonuses, retirement and other compensation, according to tax filings.

He said his successor will face "incredible challenges" in coming years. The new CEO will navigate the ongoing implementation of health care reform and continued integration with Franciscan.

But Bosch said the hospital has earned a reputation for quality and is well positioned to attract top-tier talent.

"I think they'll get great candidates," he said.

Bosch said he and his family plan to remain in Kitsap after his retirement. He hopes to volunteer with local efforts, including Harrison's foundation.

"I think retiring is about moving from one set of activities to another set," he said.

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