Eastern Plumas Health Care Plans CEO Handoff

PORTOLA — Eastern Plumas Health Care has appointed Cody Canon chief operating officer as it prepares for Chief Executive Officer Doug McCoy’s retirement in May 2027. McCoy has led EPHC since May 2020.

Canon is the organization’s planned next chief executive. McCoy will remain in that position until May, working with Canon, the board of directors, and the executive team through the handoff, according to EPHC’s October 2 announcement.

The hospital district operates the Portola hospital and medical clinics in Portola, Graeagle, and Loyalton. It also operates skilled nursing facilities in Portola and Loyalton.

McCoy said in the announcement, “It was important to have our future leader come from within the organization and share our mission and values to serve our community.”

The district’s five-member, locally elected board oversaw the recruitment process. Vice Chair Linda Satchwell said Canon had led implementation of EPHC’s new electronic health record system over the past five years, a project that required close work with departments throughout the organization. She cited his knowledge of hospital departments and concern for patients and employees in explaining her support for him.

According to EPHC, Canon’s background includes managing technology projects, budgets, and staff training. He holds a master’s degree in health care administration from West Coast University, with a public health management focus.

Canon described more than 25 years of work in health care, including acute-care trauma hospitals and long-term care facilities in the United States and Canada.

EPHC said Canon plans to use data to improve patient satisfaction and services, and to emphasize professional development and hands-on mentorship for employees when he becomes chief executive.