HopeWest announced the hiring of Deneen Silva to be the nonprofit organization’s president and chief executive officer, beginning in February 2025.

Cassie Mitchell, HopeWest’s current chief executive has committed to remaining with the organization through the end of March to ensure a seamless transition and serve as a resource to Silva.

Silva joined Hope-West earlier this year as the executive director of its Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Program, moving to Colorado from her home state of Oregon. She said she fell in love with the area, its people and the HopeWest organization itself, ultimately compelling her to apply for the new role.

Deneen is a nursing professional with a diverse background, extensive education and more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Oregon Health & Science University in 2000 and a master’s degree in nursing from Gonzaga University in 2020. She has expertise in oncology, hospice, palliative care, pediatrics, geriatrics, population health, academic nursing and PACE.

“Stepping into the role of president and CEO of HopeWest is a tremendous honor for me,” Deneen said. “I am humbled by the opportunity to lead such a compassionate and devoted team and look forward to building on the organization’s legacy of excellence in hospice, palliative care and Programs of All-Inclusive Care, while continuing to serve the community with unwavering resolve.”

HopeWest Board Chair Monika Tuell, who oversaw the national search and competitive application and hiring process, said, “Deneen embodies HopeWest’s values. She has critical nursing experience, breadth and depth in the hospice, palliative care, and PACE lines of business and is an exceptional organizational and community fit. We could not be more excited that she accepted our offer and has chosen to serve HopeWest in this new capacity as president and CEO.”

“As we look to the future, I am excited to build on the extraordinary foundation of care and innovation at HopeWest, exploring new ways to meet the growing needs of our community and to provide support and guidance for those navigating hospice and palliative care,” Silva said. “Together, we can ensure that HopeWest continues to serve as a trusted source of healing and hope for generations to come.”

Deneen’s passion for elder care was first inspired during her childhood while accompanying her grandmother, Betty, who volunteered in nursing homes. These early experiences instilled in her the importance of human connection, empathy, touch, compassion and kindness, values that she said shaped her approach to nursing throughout her career.

As an oncology and hospice nurse, Deneen said she developed a calling to care for individuals facing serious and life-limiting illnesses, further solidifying her dedication to improve the care provided to these populations.

During her time as a hospice executive director, she broadened hospice services to include pediatric patients and enhanced community-based palliative care programs. Notably, she played a pivotal role in developing and operationalizing the first PACE program in southern Oregon, bringing comprehensive care solutions to the elderly in her region.

HopeWest serves communities across western Colorado and is dedicated to changing the way its communities experience aging, illness and grief. For more information, visit HopeWestCO.org or call 970-241-2212.