The executive director of a Grand Junction-based health care organization has accepted a new role as vice president of finance for St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Ashley Thurow will assume financial oversight for the hospital while also leading efforts to expand value-based care for patients. An elongated transition period is expected to ensure Monument Health continues to provide services to its members across Western Colorado.

“My role at Monument Health has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to take on a new opportunity with St. Mary’s,” Thurow said. “My passion has always been around health care reform and promoting positive change. My work is not done, and I look forward to the next challenge ahead improving our we serve patients in this community.”

Bryan Johnson, who serves as both president of St. Mary’s and a member of the Monument Health board of directors, said he’s thrilled Thurow accepted the new role. “She is a skilled leader and passionate about improving health care in our community. We are committed to a smooth transition period as we continue our important work at Monument Health reducing the overall cost of care and expanding value-based care in a broader way.”

Thurow brings to her new role more than 20 years of experience in the health care industry, including positions with Deloitte, Evolent Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado.

She’s a certified public accountant and holds business degrees from the University of Arizona and George Washington University. She serves on the adjunct faculty at the New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

She joined Monument Health in 2021 to lead what’s known as a clinically integrated network (CIN) that integrates efforts among doctors, hospitals, insurance companies and employer groups to provide health care.

A joint venture of Intermountain Health, which operates St. Mary’s, and Primary Care Partners, Monument Health works with more than 900 health care providers and 75,000 members.

“Ashley’s leadership has been the catalyst for Monument Health’s growth,” said Dr. Michael Pramenko, chief medical officer of Monument Health and chairman of its board. “Under her direction, it has become the largest CIN in Western Colorado, advancing true value-based care in the region. … While I am thrilled that someone of her caliber will continue to advance in her career, I am grateful she will maintain a leadership role with Monument Health for some time. I know great things are ahead for both Monument Health and Ashley.”