Paul Contris’s Experience
Paul Contris is a seasoned leader in the long-term healthcare industry, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. His vast experience and strategic vision have positioned him as a key figure in the sector, driving the development and expansion of high-quality senior care services. As the Chief Executive Officer of Vetras Healthcare, a company he founded in 2019, Paul oversees three premier healthcare facilities in Torrington, Wyoming. These facilities offer a full spectrum of care, including skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care services, ensuring comprehensive support for residents in Goshen County and the surrounding communities. Under his leadership, Vetras Healthcare continues to prioritize patient-centered care, operational excellence, and innovation in long-term healthcare solutions.
Paul Contris’s journey in healthcare began with a strong academic foundation that laid the groundwork for his future success. In 1982, he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, graduating summa cum laude. His academic excellence and deep understanding of financial principles led him to launch his professional career at Ernst & Young as a certified public accountant in the audit division. However, his passion for healthcare and its transformative potential soon steered him toward the industry. In 1983, Paul joined The Hillhaven Corporation as an Acquisitions Analyst, playing a pivotal role in the company’s rapid expansion. During his tenure, The Hillhaven Corporation grew to become the second-largest long-term care provider in the United States, an achievement that underscored Paul’s keen strategic insight and financial expertise.
In 1985, Paul Contris advanced to a leadership role as Chief Financial Officer at Samaritan Senior Services, the long-term care subsidiary of Samaritan Health Systems. His tenure was marked by significant growth, as he spearheaded financial strategies that facilitated the expansion of the company from three to 22 long-term care facilities. Paul’s ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and implement sustainable growth strategies cemented his reputation as an industry leader. His expertise in healthcare finance, acquisitions, and operational scalability became even more evident when he co-founded SunQuest HealthCare Corporation in 1992. During his five-year tenure, he initially served as Chief Financial Officer before taking on the role of Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and New Development. Under his strategic leadership, SunQuest HealthCare Corporation experienced rapid growth, increasing its annual revenue from zero to over $225 million, demonstrating his exceptional ability to drive business expansion and financial performance.
Paul Contris’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to senior care led him to establish Mission Healthcare in 1997. What began as a single senior care community in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, soon expanded into South Dakota and Wyoming, fueled by his commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered services. Over the years, Mission Healthcare continued to grow, and in 2012, following a major acquisition, it rebranded as Welcov Healthcare. At its peak, Welcov Healthcare operated 58 locations across multiple states, including Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming, making a significant impact on the senior care landscape. However, as the industry faced widespread challenges, including declining occupancy rates and financial pressures, Paul oversaw the transition of Welcov Healthcare’s facilities to new operators in 2019, ensuring a smooth continuation of care for residents.
Now at the helm of Vetras Healthcare, Paul Contris remains steadfast in his commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to seniors. His leadership is rooted in over four decades of industry experience, financial acumen, and an unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of those in need of long-term care. Through Vetras Healthcare, Paul continues to uphold his vision of providing exceptional senior living solutions, fostering a culture of excellence, and adapting to the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
