Amy R. Tobin, CEO

Hinds Hospice

What we do: We provide hospice and bereavement services for those with terminal illnesses for all ages and for those who love them.  

Education: Bachelor’s in Science in nursing (1977) and Master’s in human resource and organization development (1987), both from University of San Francisco.  

Age: 60

Family: married to Richard Tobin for 37 years, four children: Matt, Tara, Laura, and Andrew.

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How did you come to your position as CEO of Hinds Hospice, Amy?
I was the Chief Nursing Officer at Kaiser Permanente and was serving on the Hinds Hospice Board of Directors. Nancy announced she had plans to retire. Several people on the board approached me and asked if I would consider it. After having lunch with Nancy and asking if she would support me for this role, I threw my hat in the ring. I had always thought I would retire from Kaiser, however, sometimes God has other plans.   

What are some of your proudest accomplishments with the organization?
I believe I have been able to bring a nice balance of mission and margin to Hinds Hospice with a focus on quality and performance improvement. I am able to bring a systems approach to Hinds that really helps us to function well in the regulatory world of hospice today. Working with our wonderful staff to develop themselves as high-level leaders has been a great opportunity for me. Business literacy has been a key focus for me as we work to establish sustainable business practices while always keeping our mission our compassion and mission first and foremost.  

People often think of Hinds Hospice solely has the Hinds Hospice Home. What other programs is the organization responsible for, Amy?
We actually care for most patients in their own homes or in a residential care facility. Additionally we provide bereavement support for those experiencing loss through our Center for Grief and Healing, which includes our very special Angel Babies program for those experiencing the loss of a baby.

What are some of the ways you have seen the organization grow since you came on board, Amy?
The main growth has been in the area of achieving accreditation status through the Joint Commission and also in developing strong financial acumen to further our mission as well.   

What are some of the organization’s goals for the next few years?  
We want to continue to optimize our work by using technology to help us understand and improve care and business practices. Growth is important but most important is to continue to further our mission by meeting identified patient and family needs.  

What areas of health care do you see the most growth potential in the Central Valley, Amy?
All health care outside of the hospital is poised to grow exponentially.  Hospice and all home care alternatives are critical to help focus our resources in the most high quality cost effective way.  

What was your first job and what did you learn from it, Amy?  
My very first job was as a babysitter when I was 12 years old. I grew up in a family of six as an older sister so babysitting was a natural fit.  I learned to multi-task and to entertain children.  

What person now or in history would you be most interested in meeting and why, Amy?  
I would love to actually meet Jesus Christ. I often imagine what he would have been like and to experience him first hand would be phenomenal.  

What do you like to do in your spare time, Amy?  
I love to be outside, walking with my husband and dogs, gardening, hiking, etc.