EBS STAFF
In April 2023, Bozeman Health announced Chris Darnell’s return to Big Sky to serve as administrator of Big Sky Medical Center. One year later, at the end of May 2024, the regional health care provider gave notice of Darnell’s departure.
In a letter shared with Explore Big Sky, Bozeman Health CEO Dr. Kathryn Bertany expressed her vision for the Big Sky Medical Center’s continued growth in services through the change in leadership.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce that Chris Darnell, administrator for Big Sky Medical Center, is leaving his position this month,” Bertany wrote on May 31. “Chris has been selected to serve as the CEO for the Cancer Support Community of Montana, which is based in Bozeman. Bozeman Health has a long-standing partnership with CSC, and we look forward to continuing to work with Chris as a key community leader.”
Kelly Reynolds, director of nursing at Big Sky Medical Center, will step in as interim administrator.
“A long-time resident of Big Sky, Kelly has worked at BSMC since our opening day in 2015,” Bertany wrote. “Last year, Kelly was instrumental in the work leading to BSMC’s designation as a ‘Montana Trauma Receiving Facility’ by the State Trauma Care Committee and Department of Health and Human Services. Kelly is a valued leader and will continue to be an asset in directing care for the Big Sky community.”
Bertany wrote that Bozeman Health remains committed to building on existing services and pursuing additional specialty services including general surgery consultation and oncology outreach.
“I am immensely proud of our Big Sky Medical Center care team for the exceptional work they do each day to improve community health and quality of life,” Bertany wrote. “Please join me in thanking Chris for his years of service to Bozeman Health and the Big Sky Medical Center community. We wish him well in his new endeavors with the Cancer Support Community.”
