The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has announced several important updates to its leadership team, aimed at strengthening the department’s ongoing initiatives and operations across the state.
Franz Fuchs, who has served as the department’s chief policy analyst and legislative liaison, has been appointed as the new WDH Deputy Director. Fuchs, a U.S. Navy veteran, has been with WDH since 2013 and brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. In his previous role, Fuchs played a pivotal part in WDH’s major community behavioral health redesign efforts.
Stefan Johansson, Director of the Wyoming Department of Health, praised Fuchs for his invaluable contributions. “Franz has made so many critical contributions to key department efforts over the last several years,” Johansson said. “His policy and analytical skills have been incredibly valuable.”
Fuchs expressed enthusiasm for his expanded role, stating, “We have an important mission and we’re lucky to have such a passionate and dedicated workforce. Being able to grapple with some thorny health policy challenges over the last decade has been an honor. I’m excited to advance that work in a broader role.”
In another key development, Eric McVicker, currently serving as the department’s Chief Financial Officer, will assume a new title as Chief Financial and Facilities Officer starting April 1. McVicker has been with the WDH since 2012 and previously worked for over 20 years in hospital facility administration and finance. In his new role, McVicker will also oversee the Wyoming Retirement Center in Basin, the Wyoming Pioneer Home in Thermopolis, and the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming in Buffalo. McVicker is tasked with streamlining operations and improving management across the department’s various facilities.
“With Eric’s deep experience in financial and facility management, I am confident streamlining oversight of these important institutions will help build upon our current pathway of providing the best possible care to some of Wyoming’s most vulnerable residents,” Johansson said. “We are making progress toward operating all five of our facilities as a regional health system, which is an exciting future direction.”
McVicker also expressed his commitment to further improving facility operations. “I’m grateful for the opportunity for more involvement with the incredible work of our facility staff as they serve our safety net clients,” McVicker said. “I have been so impressed by them. My goal is to continue us on our current path while also strengthening the partnerships connecting our facilities together and with our community programs.”
Finally, Ragen Latham, who is currently serving as interim senior administrator for the Behavioral Health Division, will take on the additional responsibility of interim administrator of the Wyoming Life Resource Center in Lander following the departure of Misty Gibson on April 1. WDH has indicated that a search will begin for a permanent, on-site facility administrator for the Life Resource Center.
These leadership changes reflect WDH’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its ability to meet the growing health and wellness needs of Wyoming residents, particularly the state’s most vulnerable populations.
By: DNU staff