Zeeland Community Hospital

Henry Veenstra, President, Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital Announces Retirement

Henry Veenstra, president of Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, formally submitted his letter of retirement to hospital board members at their January meeting. He will be retiring September 30, 2015.

“Few communities are as fortunate as Zeeland to have had a consistent, dedicated leader advocating for health,” said Marc A. Chircop, senior vice president, regional relationships, Spectrum Health. “Henry has been instrumental in ensuring his community has a strong, vibrant hospital for future generations. He leaves a remarkable legacy of caring which will serve as a lasting tribute to his professionalism, values and integrity.”

According to Chircop, a successor will be announced this summer.

With the average hospital CEO tenure being a little over five years, according to American College of Healthcare Executives, Henry’s esteemed career in health care logs an impressive 44 years, 41 of which have been as CEO, and speaks to his commitment and dedication.

“It has been an honor to work with the dedicated employees, physicians and volunteers who come to work each day to make a difference in our patient’s lives,” said Veenstra. “They have each contributed significantly to the success of Zeeland Community Hospital and to our ability to meet our mission and vision of being ‘caring people…caring for people’.”

During his tenure, Henry directed the hospital through multiple strategic efforts, including the building of a new hospital in 2006 and the integration of the hospital with Spectrum Health in 2011. Under his leadership Zeeland Community Hospital has received numerous awards for patient satisfaction, quality service, work environment and service value.

Henry notes that new leadership will guide a project planned for the renovation of the third floor of the hospital. This dedicated space will house a 5,300 square-foot Specialty Care Clinic, which will provide access to specialty services closer to home for patients in the community.

From a personal perspective, the timing is right as well.

“It’s been more than a job; it’s been a calling,” said Veenstra. “I will leave my position confident that Zeeland Community Hospital is a strong and vibrant hospital equipped to serve our patients and this community well in the future.”

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 11 hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 170 ambulatory and service sites; 1,050 employed physicians and advanced practice providers including members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a 575,000-member health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 21,000 employees. The organization provided $250 million in community benefit during its 2013 fiscal year.