July 24, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

The Aviva Health Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Jay Richards as its new interim chief executive officer, effective immediately, as the organization continues its search for its next permanent CEO.

An Aviva release said Dr. Richards has served as Aviva Health’s Chief Medical Officer and has been a member of the organization’s leadership team, helping guide clinical operations and advance its mission of providing high-quality, accessible care throughout Douglas County.

The president of the Aviva Health Board of Directors, Nick Jones, said, “Dr. Richards is a respected leader who understands our organization, our patients and our community”. Jones said, “His leadership, clinical experience and commitment to our mission make him the right person to guide Aviva Health during this transition while we continue the search for our next permanent chief executive officer”.

To support continuity in clinical leadership, Dr. Derwood Basham has been appointed deputy chief medical officer and will assist Dr. Richards while he serves as interim CEO.

Jones said, “The Board’s priority is ensuring continuity for our patients, employees and community partners. We remain focused on delivering exceptional care while positioning Aviva Health for long-term success”.

Dr. Richards said he is honored to serve in the interim role. He said, “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team dedicated to caring for our community”. Dr. Richards said, “My focus is to support our employees, ensure uninterrupted care for our patients and provide steady leadership as the Board conducts its search for our next permanent CEO”.

The release said that Patrick Hull is no longer serving as interim CEO, a role he began in mid-April. The Board thanked Hull for his service during the organization’s leadership transition and wished him success in his future endeavors.

During the search for the next permanent CEO, the health center continues normal operations across its primary care, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and specialty services.