PVHMC President/CEO Richard E. Yochum to Retire After Nearly 50 Years of Service

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) President/CEO Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, will retire on April 30, 2027, after nearly 50 years of service to the medical center.

“Over the past 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many hospital CEOs, and Rich stands among the very best,” said Wesley Curry, MD, PVHMC Board Chairman. “His leadership, ability to navigate the complex challenges facing the healthcare industry, and a commitment to listening have cultivated a culture of trust and excellence throughout the medical center. During his tenure, PVHMC has achieved remarkable growth in patient care, physician and associate engagement, and expansion that has shaped the history of the medical center. This planned transition comes at a time when PVHMC is thriving and earning national recognition for patient satisfaction and performance. Rich is an exemplary leader whose impact will be felt for years to come. He will be deeply missed, and the Board and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

During Yochum’s tenure at PVHMC, the hospital developed its first strategic plan, setting the stage for it to become a regional medical center with many specialty health services. Under Yochum’s leadership, PVHMC developed the Stead Heart and Vascular Center, Kidney Stone Center, Women’s and Children’s Center, The Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reestablished a Level II Trauma program for the region, and the three-story Robert and Beverly Lewis Outpatient Pavilion.

Yochum was also instrumental in the launch of the Family Medicine Residency program to train and retain more doctors in the community, which led to the establishment of PVHMC’s remote health centers in Pomona, Claremont, Chino Hills, and LaVerne.

“The healthcare industry has changed so much from when I started and I’m extremely proud of what has been accomplished with my colleagues over the years,” said Yochum. “I am especially grateful to our associates, doctors and volunteers who have been committed to providing exceptional care throughout the years, which has helped the organization earn many national rankings.”

Yochum joined PVHMC in the late 1970s as an administrator and held multiple roles, including vice-president of administration and chief operating officer prior to assuming duties as President/CEO in 1993.

The PVHMC Board of Directors will engage a recruitment firm to begin a nationwide search for Yochum’s successor. Yochum will work with the Hospital Board of Directors to ensure a seamless transition with his successor.

“I extend my sincerest gratitude to all who have guided and supported me in my nearly 50-year career in serving at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center,” said Yochum. “I will forever be proud of the milestones we have reached together, the years of collaboration, the friendships we’ve built, and the lifelong impact we’ve made on the region.”