Helios Care CEO and President Dan Ayres will leave the organization.
According to a Helios news release, Ayres announced his resignation to the agency’s board of directors on Jan. 21. He plans to join a larger hospice organization on the East Coast. “This difficult decision to leave Helios Care was decided upon by Ayres and his family as the next step in his long career in healthcare systems management,” the release stated. Ayres will continue to serve in his position at Helios Care until April 21.
According to the release, Ayres came to Helios Care in 2016, “and helped guide the organization through tremendous growth and change, being instrumental in instituting new initiatives, including the name change from Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Inc. to DBA Helios Care.
“This thoughtful decision opened up dialogues with area residents about what the organization can do for them or their loved ones, fostering earlier engagement and improving patient outcomes — the goal for everyone,” the release stated.
“This has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make,” Ayres said. “Working in this community to improve the lives of our residents during the last journey of their lives has been a privilege, and I know the team will continue to advance the mission of compassionate care with choices and above all, dignity, for each patient served.”
Jeff Woeppel, chairman of the Helios Care board, said, “It is with deep regret and sincere appreciation that the Board of Helios Care accepts the resignation of Dan Ayres, President and CEO. For eight years, Dan has led the organization with vision, quality enrichment, community and individual relationship development, and simply stated, the ability to get things done. All with a steady hand in a volatile industry. Perhaps his most notable achievement is the manner in which the organization successfully continued to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic. His presence, positivism, and resourcefulness will be missed.”
According to the release, a transition plan is underway “to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities with patient care always at front of mind.” A search committee has been established and will begin interviewing candidates soon. Those interested in applying for this position should contact Ron Brooke, director of human resources, at 607-432-6773 for more information.