Debbie Shumway leads Hospice of the Valley

Debbie Shumway is the new executive director of Hospice of the Valley, one of the nation’s largest and most highly regarded not-for-profit hospices.

She assumed the position July 1, when Susan Levine retired from the organization she led for 23 years with Shumway by her side. Shumway most recently served as senior vice president, overseeing clinical operations, finance, volunteers, fund development, information services and the agency’s thrift store operations.

“Debbie brings two decades of experience with the agency to the top job,” said Lanny Lahr, chairman of Hospice of the Valley’s board of directors. “Her qualifications are impeccable and her spirit is perfectly suited to the agency’s mission.”

A certified public accountant, Shumway was named Chief Financial Officer of the Year in the nonprofit category by the Arizona chapter of Financial Executives International in 2009. She was cited for her leadership in growing Hospice of the Valley and for her management versatility.

When Shumway joined the agency in 1994, it served 140 patients a day with 120 staff members and a $5 million budget. Today, the agency cares for 2,900 patients a day with 1,300 staff, 2,300 volunteers and a $130 million budget. About $10.3 million provides charity care for people without insurance or financial means and other community support services.

“My goals for HOV are to continue to maintain the beautiful mission that has never changed since our origination -- to provide comfort and dignity as life nears its end,” Shumway said. “At the same time, in this dynamic time in healthcare, we are excited to develop new programs and services to help providers support their patients. We look forward to continued collaboration with our community healthcare partners.”