Hospice of the Valley executive director to retire

East Valley Tribune
July 12, 2016

Susan Levine will retire as Hospice of the Valley’s executive director July 1 after 23 years leading one of the nation’s largest and most highly regarded not-for-profit hospices. Debbie Shumway, senior vice president, assumes the top leadership position.

“Susan’s contributions are immense,” said Lanny Lahr, chairman of Hospice of the Valley’s board of directors. “Her passion, expertise and determination have created a community treasure that has brought comfort to tens of thousands of people at the end of life and supported their families. The fact that Arizona has one of the highest hospice utilization rates in the country is largely because of her efforts.”

Debbie Shumway has served at Levine’s side throughout the 23 years. A certified public accountant, Shumway has overseen the agency’s financial operations, expanding her areas of responsibility over the years to include fund development, volunteers, information services and clinical offices.

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

In 1994, Hospice of the Valley 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.