Christian Health Care Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh Friesen as assistant administrator and to welcome Eric Depew as the facility’s new chaplain. These leadership updates reflect CHCC’s ongoing commitment to strong operations, faithful stewardship and compassionate, person-centered care.
Josh Friesen passed the National Association of Long‑Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) exams on Jan. 22, 2026, after completing the state’s administrator in training program. In his new role as assistant administrator, Josh will support the executive director administrator in several key areas, including quality assurance and performance improvement, policy development and day-to-day operational leadership. The position also provides opportunities for continued learning and professional growth as he prepares for an expanded leadership role within the long-term care industry.
Josh’s path to this role reflects both dedication and deep institutional knowledge. He joined CHCC in 2013 and has served as the center’s chaplain and, prior to that, as a social worker. That progression has given him a broad understanding of resident needs, staff collaboration and the complex environment of skilled nursing care. Josh credits CHCC executive director administrator Tonja Myers with encouraging him to pursue this next step and for serving as his preceptor and mentor throughout the training process.
“Tonja’s guidance and leadership have been a true gift, and I’m honored and excited to keep growing in my ability to serve the CHCC mission well,” said Friesen.
Josh’s familiarity with CHCC and its mission positions him well to support the organization’s future. His leadership helps ensure continuity, stability and thoughtful decision-making in service of residents, families and staff.
At the same time, CHCC is welcoming Eric Depew as its new chaplain. Eric joined the CHCC team in January 2026 and now provides spiritual care and support to residents, families and staff. He brings extensive pastoral experience, having served as lead pastor at CrossPoint Church in Lynden. In that role, Eric led staff and volunteer teams, supported church governance, taught classes and provided pastoral care through visitation, funerals and special gatherings. He also represented his church within the broader community and at the district level.
Eric is ordained through the Church of the Nazarene and earned a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary. He also holds an associate degree in religious studies from Northwest Nazarene University. Many CHCC residents and staff may already recognize Eric, as he volunteered for more than a year and a half leading third Sunday worship services at the center.
“Leading Sunday services at CHCC was a joy for me, especially when I saw the satisfaction of our residents and the joy on volunteers’ faces. I found the care to be of the highest quality I have witnessed in the many care facilities where I’ve volunteered. When the chaplain position opened up, I was happy to apply and humbled to fill the role,” Depew said.
Together, these leadership updates strengthen CHCC’s ability to care for the whole person. Residents continue to benefit from qualified spiritual leadership, while the organization is supported by a growing, experienced team. Both appointments reflect CHCC’s commitment to thoughtful leadership, faith-based care and long-term sustainability in service to the community.