Statement by the Board of Directors
March 8, 2021
The Valley Medical Center Foundation announced today that President and Executive Director, Chris Wilder is on medical leave after having a stroke this past weekend. Wilder is currently hospitalized and receiving care. The Foundation is in direct contact with the Wilder family and will provide further updates on his condition as they become available.
Wilder has led the Valley Medical Center Foundation since 2003, and is a passionate advocate for high-quality healthcare for all. Since March of 2020, he has been integral in the County of Santa Clara’s COVID-19 response, securing over $30 million in funds and donated supplies to protect healthcare workers, expand testing, and support vaccination efforts.
“Chris is an extraordinary leader and an inspiration to all of us,” said Dennis Low, M.D., Chair of the Valley Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors. “Our thoughts are with him, his wife Kate and his entire family as we hope for his speedy recovery.”
VMC Foundation Chief Operating Officer Michael Elliott will serve as Interim Executive Director until further notice. Elliott has been with the Foundation since 2007. In his current role, he is responsible for communications, ethics, programs and events, and since last March, the COVID-19 donation center at the Foundation headquarters. He previously worked for Working Partnerships USA and City Year San Jose/Silicon Valley.
“We are fortunate that the Foundation has an extraordinarily deep and talented team,” said Low. “Chris always set a high standard and Michael and the team are prepared to meet it.”
The Foundation requests privacy for the Wilder family during this difficult time. Please direct any inquires to the VMC Foundation Office. For more information, visit www.vmcfoundation.org.
