BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A local healthcare leader is stepping down after decades serving Whatcom County.

PeaceHealth announced on Tuesday, Oct. 13, that their Chief Executive of the Northwest Region, Chuck Prosper, will retire at the end of the year.

Prosper has led PeaceHealth’s northwest network since 2019 and helped facilitate the expansion of St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.

That includes the Peter Paulsen Pavilion project, which will expand the hospital by about 120,000 square feet, with 80 new patient rooms. The project will add services for women’s and children’s care along with expanded emergency care once it finishes construction sometime in 2028.

PeaceHealth also touted Prosper’s ability to foster philanthropic support, as the hospital received over $120 million in donations during his tenure.

“Serving PeaceHealth and our communities has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Prosper said in a news release. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary caregivers, providers, leaders, volunteers and board members who bring our mission to life every day. Together, we have accomplished meaningful work that will benefit our communities for generations to come.”

PeaceHealth says it will begin a search for Prosper’s successor immediately.

It comes as PeaceHealth is hosting a community healthcare forum in Bellingham on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at St. Luke’s Community Education Center.