Mountain Health Network announces Pleasant Valley Hospital new administrative leadership

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Mountain Health Network (MHN) and Pleasant Valley Hospital’s (PVH) Board of Directors have announced new PVH leadership members to shape the next phase of integration for the hospital.

Keith Biddle has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Ben Jarmul has been named Interim Vice President of Finance for PVH.

“Keith’s organization, attention to detail and project management skills will be invaluable as we work to integrate PVH with MHN and advance medical services for the residents of Mason, Jackson, Gallia, and Meigs counties,” stated Kevin Yingling, RPh MD, FACP, MHN CEO. “Further, we deeply value Ben’s expertise as we build PVH’s platform for the future.”

As COO, Biddle will lead the operational activities of PVH and serve on the MHN senior executive team. Biddle will help drive integration activities and operational goals for PVH; ensure compliance with regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies is maintained; oversee hospital properties and construction; collaborate with employees, as well as medical and dental staff; and engage PVH in the community. He will also work with MHN’s academic health system partners, the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Marshall Health to increase medical specialties.

Keith has held several leadership roles with Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) and MHN over his 34-year tenure. In the past, Keith served in vice president roles overseeing administration, planning, environmental services, and guest services. In 2015, Keith developed and led CHH’s Lean program and in 2019, assumed system integration responsibilities. Keith holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degrees in hospital and health administration and divinity.

Ben Jarmul is a senior health care financial professional with over 40 years of experience in financial reporting, revenue recognition, and internal control. Ben is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has been a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA), and Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Jeff Noblin, who has served as PVH’s CEO since 2019, and Craig Gilliland, PVH’s Chief Financial Officer since 2018, will be pursuing other opportunities and will depart at the end of 2022.

“We recognize both Jeff’s and Craig’s leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic and PVH’s transition to MHN and thank them for their service and commitment to the community,” stated Dr. Yingling.