POULSBO — Chad Solvie was in his 20s when he joined the staff of Martha & Mary. In the ensuing 14 years 9 months, he rose from administrator of health and rehab to CEO, oversaw expansion of the agency’s mission to include home care, care management, assisted living, and affordable independent-living apartments for older residents.
And so, as Martha & Mary celebrated its 125th year with an open house May 31, the announcement was somewhat poignant and surprising: Solvie is leaving.
“Chad has been here for 14 years. He’s been a big part of the Martha & Mary family for a long time, so it’s a bit of a shock,” outreach manager Jennifer Bailey said.
Solvie’s career plans were not immediately known.
The change is occurring quickly. Solvie’s last day as CEO is June 1. According to Bailey, the board of trustees hired Richard Fields as interim CEO — he has “extensive experience in executive leadership in the areas of healthcare and housing services for seniors,” she wrote — and a national search firm has been engaged to identify candidates for the Martha & Mary CEO position long-term.
Solvie, now 42, graduated from Concordia College and earned a master’s degree in organization and management from Capella University, according to his LinkedIn profile. He joined Martha & Mary in September 2001, when he was about 28.
“Under his energetic leadership, Martha & Mary has expanded its mission of caring beyond skilled nursing and child care programs to include home care, care management, and senior living options that include assisted living (Bay Vista Commons in Bremerton) and affordable independent senior housing (The Village Green Senior Apartments in Kingston),” Bailey wrote in an announcement of Solvie’s departure as CEO.
“During Chad’s tenure, Martha & Mary has received numerous awards for customer satisfaction and service distinction.”
In appreciation for Solvie’s service to the organization and community, the board of trustees will host a reception at the Martha & Mary Health and Rehab Center from 1:30–2:30 p.m. June 22, Bailey reported.
“During this leadership transition, the board of trustees remains firmly committed to the organization’s mission of caring, and especially the 600-plus Martha & Mary employees who continue to provide vital care services to the community on a daily basis.”
