Sandy Ruka, RN, MSN, to Retire After Transformative Leadership at Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine

July 21, 2025

North Conway, NH  — Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (VNHCH) announces the upcoming retirement of its longtime Executive Director and Hospice Administrator, Sandy Ruka, RN, MSN, effective November 30, 2025. A visionary leader and tireless advocate for community-based care, Sandy leaves behind a legacy of growth, innovation, and deep compassion.

With over 40 years of experience in health care, Sandy has served in a wide range of clinical settings, from acute care to long-term and hospice care. Since taking the helm as Executive Director in 2008, and later assuming the dual role of Hospice Administrator in 2022, she has led VNHCH through a period of remarkable transformation. Under her leadership, the agency merged with Carroll County Health and Home Care, expanded its staff from 20 to 54, and introduced new programs that have made VNHCH a model of person-centered, community-rooted care.

“Sandy’s leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Myles Crowe,  President of the Board of Trustees. “She has not only grown the agency’s capacity but has also elevated the quality of care we provide. Her passion for the Mount Washington Valley community is evident in every initiative she’s championed.”

Sandy’s tenure has been marked by a commitment to innovation and collaboration. She played a pivotal role in launching the agency’s chronic disease palliative care program and expanding services for individuals with dementia through the federal Dementia Capable Community grant. Her advocacy helped secure funding for programs like Simple Comforts, which provides essential safety items not covered by traditional insurance.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Master’s in Nursing focused on hospice care and end-of-life decision-making, Sandy has also been a leader on the state level. She is a past president of the Home Care Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance of New Hampshire, where she helped guide a successful merger with the New Hampshire Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance. In 2020, she received the Home Care Alliance Services Award in recognition of her contributions.

Sandy has been a driving force behind community initiatives, such as the MWV Age-Friendly Community and the annual Caregiver Expo, which offers education and support to family caregivers. Her philosophy of care extends beyond physical health to include emotional and social well-being, always guided by the belief that “it takes a village” to support aging in place and holistic community health.

Reflecting on her upcoming retirement, Sandy shared:

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this community and to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate team. I’ve always believed that health care is about more than medicine. It’s about connection, dignity, and meeting people where they are. I’m proud of what we’ve built together at VNHCH, and I have every confidence that the agency will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of our neighbors.”

The Board of Trustees has launched a formal search for Ruka’s successor. The next Executive Director will inherit a strong, mission-driven organization and a dedicated team committed to continuing the agency’s legacy of excellence. Those interested in applying may do so through Indeed (https://tinyurl.com/VNHCHExecDir) or by emailing Rosalie Miles, HR Manager at VNHCH at rmiles@VNHCH.org.

Ruka will remain in her role through the transition to ensure continuity and support for staff, patients, and community partners. For more information about the agency or the Executive Director search, please visit VNHCH.org.