LETTER: Noonan reflects upon stepping down at Central Vermont Medical Center
June 2, 2026To the Central Vermont Community:
As I prepare to step away from my role as president of Central Vermont Medical Center, I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve this incredible community over the past nine years.
It has been a true privilege to be part of a place defined not only by the care it provides, but by the people who make that care possible. Every day, I have been inspired by the dedication, compassion, and resilience of our staff across the hospital, Woodridge, and our outpatient clinics. Their unwavering commitment to patients and to one another is the foundation of all we have achieved together.
Our time together has not been without challenge. As a community, we have faced extraordinary moments, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the devastating impacts of flooding. These events tested us in profound ways, but they also revealed our strength. We came together with purpose, supported one another, and never lost sight of what matters most: caring for our community. I will always carry with me the pride I felt watching our teams and community partners rise to meet those moments with courage, creativity, and compassion.
Because of that shared commitment, CVMC is well positioned for the future. The search for the organization’s next president is currently underway, with strong candidates engaged in the process. I am confident that thoughtful leadership will continue to guide this organization forward.
I am pleased that Jim Alvarez, MSM, FACHE, will serve as interim president following my departure on June 5. Jim is an accomplished healthcare executive with over 35 years of progressive leadership experience in hospital operations, strategic planning, and organizational transformation. He currently serves as Vice President of Support Services at CVMC and System Vice President of Facilities & Engineering.
Prior to his current role, Jim held executive positions at UnityPoint Health, Catholic Health Initiatives, Franciscan Health, and Harrison Medical Center. In these roles, he led numerous transformation initiatives, including health system integration, service area master planning, operational excellence improvements, and the construction of three hospitals as well as multiple ambulatory sites. His expertise encompasses strategic planning, process improvement, change management, leadership development, and culture transformation.
Jim brings a steady, collaborative approach to leadership and a deep commitment to our mission. I am confident he will provide strong and thoughtful guidance during this transition. Jim resides in Barre with his wife, Sue.
The progress we have made over the past nine years belongs to all of us. It reflects the strength of our staff, the trust of our community, and the deep partnerships we have built across Central Vermont. I leave this role with great pride in what we have accomplished together and with optimism about what lies ahead.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to this community. It has been an honor to serve alongside you.
With gratitude,
Anna Tempesta Noonan, RN, BSN, MS
President and Chief Operating Officer
University of Vermont Health – Central Vermont Medical Center