The man whose voice is the first people hear when calling Kadlec Regional Medical Center has hung up his microphone. 

Jim Hall retired from his decades-long career at the Richland hospital on Jan. 10, his 65th birthday, a news release said. 

He started at the Richland hospital in a part-time role helping with community outreach. In addition to providing the automated voice for Kadlec’s phone answering system, he connected with the community via radio, television and podcasts. He most recently served as Kadlec’s chief philanthropy officer after spending much of his career as director of communication. 

“Thirty years is clearly a long time, but when I look back, it seems to have gone pretty quick,” Hall said in the release. “It feels really unusual to sit here and think I’m not working anymore, but it is a good feeling.” 

Kadlec staff recently celebrated Jim Hall's retirement.

| Courtesy Kadlec

Hall worked in broadcast journalism before joining Kadlec right after a nurses’ strike created the need to rebuild relationships between the hospital and community. His career included holding numerous community events and sharing countless patient and staff stories.  

He even shared with the community his own journey with cancer after being diagnosed 18 months ago. Today, his lab tests and scans are showing no signs of cancer. 

Hall plans to spend his retirement supporting his wife, who he said, “put her life on hold for me,” walking the dogs and enjoying family, friends and all that retired life has to offer. 

Successor announced

Kadlec announced on Feb. 11 that Lacey Perry is the new leader of the Foundations at Kadlec. 

She serves as chief philanthropy officer for the Providence Southeast Washington Service Area, leading the Kadlec Foundation and the Tri-Cities Cancer Foundation. In this expanded role, she also serves as chief philanthropy officer for Providence St. Mary Foundation in Walla Walla, a leadership position she has held since 2021.

Lacey Perry

She brings more than 17 years of experience in roles at not-for-profit organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest and southern Arizona, including those with a focus on health care and the arts.

“After seeing Jim’s tremendous impact at Kadlec firsthand, I am excited to step into this role and look forward to continuing our important work – fostering generosity and advancing exceptional care for our community," Perry said in a release.

Reza Kaleel, chief executive officer for Providence Southeast Washington Service Area, said, “This is an exciting time, as we celebrate Jim’s retirement, and welcome Lacey to her newly expanded role. Lacey brings a wealth of experience, and a genuine heart for connecting donors to our mission in meaningful ways. During this pivotal time in health care, her leadership and expertise will be instrumental, as she advances philanthropy to support our patients, our caregivers and our community. Lacey is the right person for this role, and the leader we need for this next chapter.”