Jim Smith, CPA, joined Island Health in April as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Smith’s extensive financial experience, particularly in healthcare and public district hospitals ranging in size from 15 to 400 beds, will be an asset to Island Health as we continue to navigate the financial challenges rural hospitals face in today’s healthcare payment models.

With over four decades of healthcare finance leadership experience, Smith has held CFO positions at several hospitals. Smith was named to the 2025 “189 Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know” list by Becker’s Hospital Review. This recognition highlights financial leaders who are driving sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term stability in healthcare organizations across the nation.

Prior to starting his second career as an interim leader, Smith played a pivotal role in assisting Saint Mary’s Health Network in Reno, Nevada, toward a positive financial and operational trajectory, earning national recognition for quality, safety and patient care, including “A” grades from the Lown Institute Hospitals Index. Prior to this assignment at Island Health, Smith served as Interim CFO at Pullman Regional Hospital in Pullman, Washington.