Rulon F. Stacey's Matthew Shepard memorabilia, 1998

Rulon F. Stacey served as an administrator at Poudre Valley Hospital in 1998 when Matthew Shepard was admitted. Rulon Stacey was a native of Provo, UT and holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics, a Master’s Degree in Health Administration, and a PhD in Health Policy. He came to Poudre Valley Hospital in 1996 and eventually became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Poudre Valley Health System (PVHS). Under Dr. Stacey’s leadership, PVHS became one of the first healthcare companies to receive the United States prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Stacey previously held administrator posts at hospitals in Illinois, California, and Colorado. He also served as an assistant administrator of a base hospital in California during his three years in the U.S. Air Force. In 1992, Stacey was recognized as an “up and comer” by Modern Healthcare Magazine, designating him as one of twelve rising stars of the healthcare administration profession. In 1998, Matthew Shepard died at Poudre Valley Hospital as a consequence of a severe beating received near Laramie, Wyoming. The assault was believed to be related to Shepard's sexual orientation. Rulon Stacey was the administrative head of Poudre Valley Hospital the night Matthew arrived and received national attention.