CHG Healthcare, the nation’s leading physician workforce experts, today announced it has acquired KREWE Anesthesia, a staffing firm specializing in certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) staffing. The acquisition strengthens CHG’s ability to meet growing client demand for CRNA staffing and managed anesthesia services.

CRNA staffing has become one of the most acute gaps in healthcare workforce management. According to CHG’s own research, certified registered nurse anesthetists are now among the hardest advanced practice roles to fill nationally, a shortage that is even more pronounced in rural communities, where many hospitals depend on CRNA-led anesthesia care to keep surgical services running. As demand for anesthesia coverage continues to grow, health systems are increasingly looking for a partner who can support their anesthesia program as comprehensively as they support the rest of their workforce.

With this acquisition, CHG adds a company built specifically to meet that need. KREWE was founded by practicing CRNAs who saw a gap in anesthesia staffing and built a company solely focused on closing it. Its provider-led, relationship-driven model — matching CRNAs to the right opportunity rather than the next open role — gives CHG the ability to offer clients a fuller anesthesia solution, from single-role locum placements to ongoing managed services. The results speak for themselves: KREWE reports approximately 84% annual clinician retention, well above typical locum tenens benchmarks.

That provider-first philosophy closely mirrors CHG’s own approach — and it shaped how CHG pursued this acquisition. Rather than simply adding a capability, CHG sought a partner whose culture and values aligned with its own.

“CRNA staffing is one of the fastest-growing parts of our industry, and we’re excited to bring that expertise into the CHG family,” said Leslie Snavely, CEO of CHG Healthcare. “KREWE was built by people who understand this work firsthand, and who care as much about the right fit as we do. Adding their capabilities to what we already offer makes us a true full-service partner for our clients’ anesthesia programs.”

KREWE will continue to operate under the leadership of its founders, CEO Gavin Baker, and President Chase Chiasson, who will remain with the company following the acquisition. Their continued leadership ensures KREWE’s clients and providers can expect the same team and service that built the company’s reputation in anesthesia staffing.

“KREWE was founded with a simple mission: to redefine what a career in anesthesia can look like by giving CRNAs greater choice, flexibility, and control over their careers. We believe that when clinicians thrive, healthcare organizations and the patients they serve thrive as well,” said Baker. “Partnering with CHG allows us to accelerate that mission by creating even more opportunities for providers while bringing KREWE’s innovative model for solving anesthesia workforce challenges to healthcare organizations nationwide. Together, we’ll be able to make an even greater impact.”

“This partnership is about investing in the future of KREWE,” Chiasson added. “Our leadership team isn’t going anywhere, our commitment to providers and healthcare organizations remains unchanged, and the culture that has defined KREWE from day one will continue to guide everything we do. With CHG behind us, we’ll have the ability to invest even more in our people, our technology, and the relationships that have always set us apart.”

About CHG Healthcare:

As the nation’s leading physician and advanced practice workforce experts, CHG Healthcare connects physicians, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals with healthcare organizations nationwide — helping deliver high-quality care to more than 20 million patients every year.

With more than 40 years of experience, CHG Healthcare and its family of brands deliver scalable, people-centered workforce solutions — from locum tenens and permanent staffing to technology and advisory services — and are recognized for industry-leading Net Promoter Scores and partnerships with the nation’s largest health systems.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City with offices across the country, CHG is recognized as a top workplace for its culture of care, growth, and purpose. Learn more at www.chghealthcare.com.

About KREWE Anesthesia:

Founded in 2022, KREWE Anesthesia is a CRNA-founded and -led anesthesia workforce solutions company connecting highly qualified anesthesia professionals with healthcare facilities nationwide. KREWE provides locum tenens staffing, workforce management, and customized coverage solutions designed around the unique operational needs of hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare organizations. Through its provider-first culture; specialized recruiting team; and comprehensive scheduling, credentialing, and provider-support capabilities, KREWE helps healthcare organizations build reliable anesthesia coverage while creating meaningful career opportunities for anesthesia providers.

Advisors:

MTS Health Partners served as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to CHG Healthcare. Citizens M&A Advisory served as financial advisor, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as legal advisor to KREWE Anesthesia.

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