Bonner General Health transitions to new CEO and CFO

By Reader Staff

Following CEO Sheryl Rickard’s announcement in October that she would retire after 37 years with Bonner General Health, the hospital will transition to new leadership before the new year. The Bonner General Hospital Board of Directors has chosen current-BGH CFO John Hennessy to serve as CEO, effective Dec. 15. 

Born in Spokane, Hennessey received his undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University in business administration and his master’s in health policy and administration from Washington State University. In addition to his time as CFO at BGH, Hennessy has served in additional financial leadership roles throughout his career, and worked closely with Rickard for a combined seven years.

John Hennessy. Courtesy photo.

In addition, Hennessy served as the finance officer for Riverside Regional Medical Center in Virginia — a Level II Trauma Center, overseeing the financial activities of the 450-bed flagship hospital, its 127-bed Behavioral Health Center and outpatient centers, with a gross revenue of $3 billion. He has also worked in other financial leadership roles throughout the region.

Hennessy is an active board member of the Idaho Hospital Association VENTURES board and will replace Rickard on the Yellowstone Insurance Board.

“It’s a tremendous honor and privilege for me to serve as the chief executive officer of a hospital that has such a long and proud history of providing quality, compassionate care to our community,” he stated. “I’m also honored to continue building on the legacy of Sheryl Rickard. Sheryl’s 37 years of leadership here have positioned BGH for continued success well into the future.”

Bonner General Health has also hired Skyler Twidt as chief financial officer. Born and raised in North Idaho, Twidt received his degreein business, with an emphasis in accounting and finance, from the University of Idaho. He brings 10-plus years of accounting and finance experience, eight specializing in health care and progressive financial leadership. Most recently, he served as the director of Financial Planning and Analysis for Kootenai Health. 

Twidt joined BGH last month and has been working alongside Hennessy to familiarize himself with the mission, vision and values of Bonner General Health.

“I am thrilled to be part of the exceptional Bonner General Health leadership team,” Twidt stated. “I am energized by the passion and pride of this community-driven group. I’m eager to build upon the excellent groundwork laid by John and Sheryl, and excited about the amazing things I know BGH can achieve in the future!”

Hennessy and Twidt will lead BGH and its 430 employees along with the senior leadership team: Shannon Barnes, chief human resources officer; Becki Dotson, chief nursing officer; and Dr. Stacey Good, chief medical officer.

“I have every confidence that our fantastic team, under the leadership of John Hennessy, will continue to grow our services and positively impact the health of our community,” Rickard stated.