Bauer's responsibilities include the Salem Health Foundation and West Valley Hospital Foundation.

Salem Health is pleased to announce Jim Bauer has begun working as chief development officer. His responsibilities include the Salem Health Foundation and West Valley Hospital Foundation, where he will work closely with their Boards of Directors to provide work that improves the communities they serve.

Bauer has been serving as the president and CEO of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities. Previously, he served as vice president for planning and external affairs at Willamette University. Prior to that, Bauer was the university’s vice president for administrative services and dean of residential living and auxiliary services.

“I’m thrilled to join Salem Health and begin contributing to the amazing work of the Salem Health Foundation and Salem Health West Valley Foundation,” said Bauer. “There are so many ways the foundations contribute to improving our community. It is an honor to be leading these efforts.”

The Salem Health Foundation is a charitable organization established in 1968 by a group of local citizens. Grants from the Salem Health Foundation provide financial assistance to patients and families in need, as well as young academics pursuing a career in medicine. As chief development officer, Bauer will hold responsibility for the work of the boards of the Salem Health Foundation and Salem Health West Valley Foundation.  

“The CDO position is essential for Salem Health,” said Cheryl Wolfe, president and CEO at Salem Health. “It recognizes the importance of what the foundations do for our community. Jim’s long-experience serving the public and extensive ties to the community make him an excellent fit for this invaluable role.”

In recent years, Bauer served on the board of directors — either as a member or chair — for the City of Salem Downtown Advisory Board, the Historic Elsinore Theatre, the Oregon Artists Series Foundation, and Garten Services Corporation, among others.