Centra Health in Lynchburg has recently undergone a change in leadership, with Richard Tugman being named as the interim president and CEO effective immediately. Tugman, who has been the CEO of Piedmont Community Health Plan (PCHP), a Centra subsidiary, since 2016, previously served as Centra’s interim CEO in 2021. The announcement was made by Centra’s Board of Directors, with Board Chair Thomas Nygaard, M.D. expressing confidence in Tugman’s ability to lead the organization during the interim period.
Nygaard stated, “Richard has a deep understanding of our organization and our people and is ideally suited to lead Centra while we conduct a national search for a new, permanent CEO.” The Board also thanked Amy Carrier for her contributions to Centra and wished her well in future endeavors. The transition committee has been appointed to advise Tugman as he assumes his new role.
The appointment of Tugman as interim president and CEO marks a significant change within Centra Health and reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring effective leadership during this transition period. As Tugman takes on this new responsibility, there is optimism for the future of Centra Health under his leadership.