Intermountain to begin search for permanent CEO

Intermountain to begin search for permanent CEO PHIL DRAKE phil.drake@helenair.com

The chair of the Intermountain board of directors sent an email to staff Tuesday afternoon stating that it would begin the search for a permanent chief executive officer and that the current interim CEO would not be among those applying for the job.

“Interim CEO Gary Larcenaire has declined to apply for the permanent position but is committed to continuing to lead the organization until a candidate is chosen and onboarded,” Chair Tim Lanham wrote in an email to employees.

He said Larcenaire will continue to serve at the will of the board to prepare for the new CEO’s arrival and orientation. Lanham said the board and Larcenaire both agreed the time is right to begin the search.

Lanham offered praise, stating Larcenaire has “worked tirelessly to understand and address the complex challenges that Intermountain faces.”

“He has built a highly capable leadership team and data-driven design that will prove essential for us to move forward into our next chapters,” Lanham said. Larcenaire entered into a contract with Intermountain in February to be interim CEO.

Lanham’s email after a publicly turbulent month and an half in which 55 employees submitted a letter on Aug. 14, stating they had no confidence in Larcenaire or the board. And that recent incidents had led to a toxic atmosphere.

Intermountain announced Sept. 1 it was closing its residential program, saying that as of Sept. 22 it would not have enough staff to cover shifts at its two residential cottages. The decision impacted 16 children ranging from ages 4-14 with behavioral health issues who live in the cottages and 55 staff members. Officials said staff shortages forced the decision.

The board described the closure as temporary and, on Sept. 11, directed staff to come up with a strategic plan with an approximate date to reopen. Later that day a rally was held at the state Capitol in support of Intermountain and its staff.

The closure of the residential program was to be completed by Oct. 5 or until the last child was relocated. Parents and staff hired attorneys who sent a letter stating the closure date had to be extended or they would take legal action. Last week, both sides announced the program would be continued until Nov. 30.

Intermountain, founded in 1909, provides outpatient services to children, adults and families with mental health needs in Billings, Bozeman and Helena. Its residential program serves as a national referral base for children with behavioral and mental health needs. Intermountain’s website states it is a “nationally recognized nonprofit provided Hope & Healing to children, youth and families in need of improved mental and behavioral health.”

This story will be updated.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

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