Meet our team
The Cherry Blossom Team is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to aging adults. Each day, we lead with expertise and empathy.
Joshua Kurtzig
CEO Valir Health
Josh is a seasoned healthcare executive and investment professional, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Valir Health, the parent organization of Cherry Blossom PACE, Valir PACE, and Valir Hospice.
What did you do before joining Valir Health?
“Before joining Valir Health, I spent several years in senior leadership with United Family Healthcare in Asia, where I served as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and also managed multiple entities, including Beijing United Family Rehabilitation Hospital, Ulaanbaatar Intermed Hospital, and United Family Home Health.
Earlier in my career, I worked for about a decade in investment management with organizations like PricewaterhouseCoopers, Stonebridge International, and the International Monetary Fund. I also founded and led Tangram and held senior roles at ARC China Holdings and DAC Management. Those experiences gave me a broad background in investment, operations, and healthcare delivery across both Asia and North America.”
Ronald Hess
Executive Director
Ron brings nearly 10 years of leadership and PACE expertise to Cherry Blossom PACE. By promoting an environment of learning and continuous improvement, Ron takes pride in the Cherry Blossom team and the excellence that it promotes each day.
What about the PACE program is most exciting to you?
“PACE uses a proven model to care for frail populations, not just to meet medical needs, but to take away the strain of coordinating and ensuring continuity of specialists. PACE’s ability to ensure a smooth experience when navigating the complexities of older adult healthcare can make it a true blessing for participants and their families.”
Dr. James Rummel
Medical Director
Dr. James Rummel joined One Senior Care in 2023 as the Associate Medical Director for LIFE-NWPA. In 2024 he became Medical Director for One Senior Care, overseeing medical care PACE centers in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky. He sees participants alongside other care team members such as our excellent nursing and therapy departments. He helps coordinate communication both within the internal care team and external medical professionals. He helps to develop policy and procedures for the One Senior Care family. Ensuring the delivery of quality medical care for our participants is a key component of Dr Rummel’s position at Cherry Blossom PACE.
Can you share a bit about your background and what shaped your approach to practicing medicine?
“Certainly. I attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I spent much of my clinical rotation time in the urban Pittsburgh area. That experience really shaped my holistic approach to care — I came to understand that high-quality medicine goes beyond just prescribing pills and potions.
After graduation, I completed my residency at the Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency Program in Harlingen, Texas. Working on the southern border reinforced the importance of a multi-factorial approach to caring for our most vulnerable populations.
Beyond my clinical work, I’ve also served on international medical missions in Bolivia, Mexico, Ghana, and Jamaica, which broadened my ability to manage a wide range of complex medical issues. Outside of medicine, I enjoy skiing, woodworking, playing music, and cooking.”
