Eugene Suksi, CEO of Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District, gave an update on the construction of the new Tehachapi hospital at the April 21 Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting at Pacino's. Chief Executive Officer Eugene Suksi came to the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District (TVHD) as interim CEO in July 2014 and was appointed permanent CEO in December 2014. He has more than 25 years of senior executive experience, including CEO at Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City, Calif .; Chief Operating Officer at Cascade Medical Center in Leavenworth, Wash .; and Vice President of Clinical Services for three different hospital management companies.

Mr. Suksi's educational background includes a Master in Business Administration and a Master in Healthcare Administration from the University of Washington, as well as a Master of Counseling degree from Idaho State University.

He explained to the group that the proposed partnership with Adventist Health that was approved by the board in February will need public ratification. It is hoped that the ratification election can be set for sometime in September.

He reminded everyone that even with Adventist as a major player, the hospital will remain a public asset. The funds for the 25 year lease will be paid up front and added to the existing bond fund enabling the completion of the hospital. He estimates that the hospital should be completed by June 2016 and in use by Labor Day of that year.

In answer to a question as to the fate of the existing hospital, Suksi foresees its continued use as an urgent care and/or long-term care facility.

[Editor's note: As a follow up, on April 23 the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District Board of Directors voted unanimously to hold the ratification election on Sept. 15, 2015. ]