Carson Tahoe Health announces new CEO as well as new path forward


Carson Tahoe Health (CTH) has announced the retirement of Alan Garrett, president & chief executive officer (CEO). The pandemic proved to be a pivotal time in healthcare. It paved the way for great community collaboration, and encouraged individuals, as well as organizations, to gain perspective on their priorities. Many industries spanning far beyond healthcare, have been affected by what is being referred to as ‘The Great Resignation.’.

“After a period of thoughtful discernment, I have decided it is time to retire and bring my other interests to the forefront,” said Garrett in a letter to staff on Wednesday. “Healthcare will be a unique challenge for the foreseeable future. The industry is at a crossroads. I encourage you to care for one another, take courage through change, and strive to innovate. Our community and patients deserve our best efforts.”

In retirement, Garrett is looking forward to spending more time with his family and out in nature after a trying schedule the past few years.

“During his three and a half years serving CTH, Alan Garrett brought a high level of intention and passion to his work,” said Larry Messina, Vice Chair, CTHS Board of Directors. “We are grateful to have had his support and leadership through the pandemic and propel our healthcare organization into this next decade.”

Carson Tahoe Health System’s Board of Directors has appointed Michelle Joy, who recently served as Carson Tahoe Health’s vice president and chief operating officer, as its new president & CEO. An experienced healthcare leader, and having previously served as Interim CEO for CTH during the transition after Ed Epperson’s retirement in December 2018, Joy will now assume those responsibilities and lead the organization forward.

“Michelle Joy knows our region and our CTH family like the back of her hand,” said Elizabeth Duffrin, Chair, CTHS Board of Directors. “Her experience and dedication is the perfect fit to carry on the compassion and momentum towards excellence we’ve created during the nearly 75 years we’ve been in this community. Our mission calls us to enhance the health and well-being of those we serve, and our path forward will be no different.”

Joy joined the Carson Tahoe Health System in January 2015, bringing nearly 25 years of healthcare management experience, and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“Carson Tahoe has deep roots in our region,” said Joy. “While the healthcare industry is sure to evolve in the next few years, I am confident in our caregivers’ ability to rise to the challenge and care for our community as an independent not-for-profit system, excelling in compassion and excellence.”