Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness announces retirement of CEO Chantay Jett
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, July 9th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ENTERPRISE – (Press release from the Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness) The Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness Board of Directors has announced that Chief Executive Officer Chantay Jett will retire from her role at the end of September after 16 years of service to the organization and more than a decade as CEO.
Following her retirement from WVCW, Jett has accepted the position of President of Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI). In that role, she will continue her work in behavioral health by supporting innovation, strengthening partnerships across Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations, and serving as GOBHI’s liaison to Oregon’s Community Mental Health Program Directors.
“Chantay’s leadership has had a lasting impact on Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness and on behavioral health care in Wallowa County,” said Melyssa Sharp, WVCW Board Chair. “She led this organization through tremendous growth while never losing sight of why we exist, keeping the focus on people, access to care, and the needs of our rural community. What she built here required someone who truly understood this place, and Chantay is that person. I am deeply proud of what she has accomplished as CEO and personally grateful to have had a front-row seat to it. We are so grateful for her years of service, her commitment to this work, and the legacy she leaves behind.”
Since becoming CEO in July 2015, Jett has led WVCW through significant growth, including raising more than $15 million to strengthen behavioral health services in Wallowa County, launching eight new programs, expanding to five locations, and broadening the organization’s work to include housing and other supports for clients and families.
One of the most visible accomplishments during Jett’s tenure was the development of the Hearts for Health Integrated Care Center, the building WVCW now calls home. Created in partnership with Winding Waters Clinic, the 21,545-square-foot center brought medical, dental, mental health, and substance use disorder services into one shared location for community members and helped advance a more connected model of care in Wallowa County.
“Leaving WVCW is one of the hardest professional decisions I have ever made because this organization and the people here have become family,” said Jett. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and deeply grateful to the staff, partners, Board members, clients, and community members who have been part of this work. WVCW’s mission is stronger than ever, and I have complete confidence in its future.”
Jett will continue serving as CEO through the end of September to support a smooth transition for staff, clients, partners, and the organization.
The Board of Directors will lead the process of hiring WVCW’s next CEO and will share additional updates as that process moves forward. Services will continue as usual, and clients, families, partners, and community members can continue to access care through the same programs, locations, and contact information.
The information included in this release reflects the details currently available for public announcement. Additional updates about the CEO transition process will be shared as they are finalized.
Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness provides mental health and substance use disorder treatment, crisis services, residential care, peer support, prevention, housing support, and community wellness services throughout Wallowa County.
