News

Chosen for Leadership, Commitment to Home Health & Hospice and Community

Burlington, Vt. – The University of Vermont Health Network – Home Health & Hospice announced Christine Werneke, MS, has been selected as President and Chief Operating Officer of the organization. Werneke has served as interim president during the search for a permanent replacement for Adrianne Johnson Ross, who stepped down from the role in January.

Werneke previously served Home Health & Hospice for six years in various leadership roles prior to the organization’s affiliation with the UVM Health Network, and is committed to supporting the team’s social mission. She was chosen for her leadership and commitment to Home Health & Hospice and the community.

“Christine’s current and previous service to the patients and people of Home Health & Hospice make her the right person to lead this team forward,” said Sunny Eappen, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of the UVM Health Network. “Home health and hospice agencies  face unique challenges that impact the entire health care system, and I am confident that Christine is bringing the day-to-day compassion, experience and innovation that will be vital to ensure we are providing the highest quality care for our patients and families, and the best working environment for our staff.”

Home Health & Hospice supports individuals and families at every age and stage of life through five primary programs – Family and Children’s, Adult Home Health, Adult Day, Long-Term Care and Hospice and Palliative Care – offering care wherever community members call home. The organization has been providing high-quality, compassionate care for more than 100 years. Werneke will be responsible for maintaining strong relationships with community leaders, establishing the strategic direction for the organization, overseeing clinical programs, managing staff, and working together with Network leadership to advance the organization’s financial recovery through the Path Forward work.

“Home Health & Hospice is deeply committed to serving our community members,” Werneke said. “I am committed to promoting a culture of service, safety, respect and trust and honored to continue the legacy of this organization for providing exceptional care for our neighbors.”

“This is an exciting step forward and I am proud to take it with my colleagues by my side,” Werneke added.

Werneke lives in Richmond, Vermont, where she has served on the Town Selectboard, including its Town Center & Library Building Committee and Richmond Racial Equity Group. She currently serves on the Vermont Mental Health Integration Council.