Riverside System Names New President

By Amber Lester Kennedy Friday, February 04, 2011

Riverside Health System will have a new president this March.

William B. Downey will assume the responsibilities and title of President of Riverside Health System in March and will also become Chief Executive Officer on Jan. 1, 2012. Richard J. Pearce will continue to serve as CEO until the end of the year, when he will transition to executive vice-chairman of the Riverside Health System Board and serve as a special advisor to the executive team. The changes were approved by the Health System Board at their Jan. 26 meeting.

Alan Witt, chairman of the Board of Directors, said in a press release that the two men’s close working relationship will ensure leadership stability into the future. “This relationship is a significant corporate advantage during an era of constant healthcare change,” Witt said.

Downey joined Riverside in 1985, serving in numerous roles until he left in 1995. He returned in June 2001 to serve as executive vice president, and took on the additional title of Chief Operation Officer in February 2003.

Pearce joined Riverside in 1972 and became president of the system in 1992. In January 2001, he added the role of Chief Executive Officer. During his 12-year tenure as president, Pearce oversaw the development of Riverside Medical Group, growth in Williamsburg and the Eastern Shore and the addition of various programs, such as Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly in Richmond and Hampton.