Anyone who has worked alongside Darrell Messersmith in the past 10 years knows he doesn’t quit on a project until it’s finished. As the Director of Information Services, he frequently takes on more than what is expected of him. Darrell accomplishes more tasks with fewer resources, keeps in touch with the needs of his staff, and manages to keep up a great relationship with physicians and hospital staff. “Darrell does the job of many people,” says Sophie Plante, clinical applications manager. “It will be very hard to replace him with just one person.”

This Friday will be Darrell’s last day at PVMC; he has accepted a position as the Chief Medical Information Officer at Vail Valley Medical Center. Darrell says: “I am humbly aware I qualified for the position [at VVMC] ONLY because of the experience I gained at PVMC over the past few years working with teams to install modern electronic medical record (EMR) systems.  At Vail Valley I’ll be working closely with medical staff and clinical leadership to ensure investments in technology are helping doctors and nurses provide the highest quality care.

“After 10 years at PVMC it will be difficult to let go of my responsibilities, but I am very excited about the opportunity and profoundly grateful for the experience, leadership and friends I have found at PVMC.  I could not have picked a better place for professional learning and growth,” he says.

Beginning Wednesday, April 1, Darrell’s position will be temporarily filled by Ron Ropp. This will be Ron’s third time around as our Interim Director.  He worked for PVMC in 2008 during the new hospital construction, and again during the EMR project in 2010 and 2011.

If you see Darrell in the halls, please wish him success in his new role at VVMC.