March 19, 2024

Wade named president, chief executive officer of HCI-VNS

WEST DES MOINES — Tray Wade, MHA, MA, has been named president and chief executive officer of HCI Care Services and Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa (HCI-VNS), effective immediately.  Wade, who previously served as chief operating officer and senior vice president of patient and family care, has been serving as interim president and CEO of the organization since May.

“This summer, the Board of Directors conducted a CEO search, and we were delighted to confirm that Tray has an ideal combination of expertise, experience and passion for our mission to lead the organization forward,” said Graham Cook, chair of HCI-VNS’ board of directors.

Wade joined the organization, then Hospice of Central Iowa, 12 years ago as hospice director for its Knoxville, Boone and Perry teams. In this time, he has held numerous leadership roles and has seen the organization through substantial growth and various industry challenges. In more recent years, Wade has played an instrumental role in helping the organization develop key partnerships, form alliances and expand its ability to grow and meet the needs of vulnerable Iowans.

Wade currently serves on Des Moines University’s Master of Healthcare Administration Advisory Board, Dallas County Hospital’s Board of Trustees and Dallas County Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors. He is also the facilitator of Visiting Nurse Associations of America’s (VNAA’s) Hospice Roundtable.

Wade has served as past chair of Amanda the Panda’s Board of Directors and has served on Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa’s Advocacy Committee, VNAA’s Public Policy Committee and VNAA’s Rural Hospice Committee. Wade was also selected as a member of Business Record’s 2012 Forty Under 40 class.

HCI-VNS is one of the oldest and largest non-profit organizations in the state. The organization’s strategy and commitment to access, the highest quality care and services, and cost-effective health care will remain unchanged. The two premier providers of community-based health care came together in 2012 and now touch the lives of Iowans in 44 counties annually at 65,000 critical moments.

“I’m proud of the growth we’ve seen as an organization throughout my time here; it really means we’re making a difference in people’s lives at times that matter most,” Wade said. “I look forward to leading our programs and building upon our longstanding legacy.”