Hospice of the Valley Names New CFO
Morgan Hill – Jim Ptak is the new chief financial officer at the San Jose-based Hospice of the Valley, a leader in advancing end-of-life care and a pioneer in palliative, hospice and community grief education in Santa Clara County.
Ptak’s financial experience spans more than 30 years of managing the finances of commercial real estate development, manufacturing, distribution and healthcare companies. For the past 17 years, Ptak has specialized in the field of healthcare including hospital, diagnostic laboratory, nursing home, home health and hospice operations.
Ptak served as vice president of finance with the non-profit Center for Hospice & Palliative Care in Buffalo, N.Y. During Ptak’s 12-year tenure, the organization more than tripled its operations. This growth included construction of a specialized healthcare campus, establishment of a nursing facility and acquisition of a national education program. Ptak also participated with the CFO Forum of the National Hospice Workgroup, developing benchmarks and best practices standards for hospice providers.
Ptak holds a degree in accounting from Niagara University and earned his license as a certified public accountant in New York State.
Companies Begin Weight Loss Effort
Gilroy – Saint Louise Hopsital is teaming up with Gilroy’s Health and Fitness, 8540 Church St., in Gilroy, to bring “Biggest Loser” challenge to the South County area.
The program will award top community “losers” in the local “Biggest Loser” Challenge by sending them on a mini-vacation along with other prizes.
The challenge begins Sept. 12. The community is encoraged to attend bi-weekly public weigh-ins at Gilroy Health and Fitness.
Another Gilroy health and weight loss company, Healthy Inspirations, 8515 Forest St., is also starting the “Get Inspired to Lose it” program Sept. 10. The center will be conducting the program along with 130 other Healthy Inspirations centers in the United States and Australia. Participants do not have to be members of a Healthy Inspirations Center to be involved.
Participants will receive a pedometer, T-shirt, activity sheets, challenges and weekly goals and activities to keep motivated. The cost for entry is $25 for existing members and $129 for non-members. There will be national winners for the program, which will be announced Nov. 13. Prizes will be awarded for the individuals with the greatest percentage of weight loss, the most number of inches lost and the most inspiring story submitted. Individual centers will also offer prizes during the program.
Details: Gilroy Health and Fitness, (800) 226-1844; Healthy Inspirations, (408) 846-5420.
