In a brief meeting short on agenda items, the Perry County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees welcomed its newest member April 9. In addition, the board took the opportunity to re-organize Friday afternoon.
After everyone in attendance went through the lunch line, chairman Steve Rozier had executive secretary Sara Schemel administer the oath of office to newly elected board member, Patrick Naeger. In a four-way race in the April 6 municipal election, Naeger was the top vote-getter.
Rozier turned the meeting proceedings over to hospital acting interim president/CEO, Chris Wibbenmeyer momentarily while motions were taken to fill specific board posts.
Beth Guth nominated Rozier to serve as chairman. This motion was seconded and later approved.
For vice chairman, board member Darrell Niswonger, who participated remotely via phone, nominated Greg Unger. This motion was adopted.
Following a recommendation by Niswonger, Guth was chosen as board secretary. Unger nominated Niswonger to serve as board treasurer.
Naeger is looking forward to starting his five-year term.
"I'm very humbled to be a part of this board," Naeger said, adding the new role does come with a bit of anxiety. "Perry County Memorial Hospital is full of amazing people. I've spent my whole life in this community. I want to make this hospital great again."
"These are crazy times and hospitals are highly regulated," Naeger said.
Health care is an issue that Naeger said is "very near and dear" to him. Along with good schools and law enforcement, being able to provide good health care is one of the three main points of a thriving community that makes an area more inviting, according to Naeger.
Naeger replaces the board spot of Tim Brewer, whose term recently came to an end. Brewer served four five-year terms on the board.
