Eight candidates will vie for the open seat on the Sonoma Valley Health District board of directors at a special meeting August 12. The opening was created by the July 1 resignation of Arnie Riebli, and the appointee will complete his term, which runs through the end of next year. The appointee could stand for public election at that time.
“I’m very excited about the response,” present board member Madolyn Agrimonti told the KSVY Morning Show on Wednesday. “It shows that not only supporters of the hospital know this is important, but the community is aware, as well.”
The five-person board oversees a $40 million annual budget, 400 employees and emergency services that responded to 10,000 cases last year. “It’s an important job,” said board chair Bill Boerum. “The board is here to make the hospital work.”
The board solicited letters of interest through July 31. There were no formal requirements, but an interest if not familiarity with the hospital and hospital operations was encouraged. Eight letters were received, and all candidates have been invited to speak at Wednesday night’s meeting.
The candidates will have three minutes to make a statement. They will then field questions from the board, which consists of Agrimonti, Boerum, Peter Hohorst and Dr. Richard Kirk. Applicants may also have members of the public speak on their behalf. The appointee to the unpaid post will be announced that night.
“We’re doing great things,” Agrimonti said. “It will be great to have a new team member.”
From the applicants’ own notes, compiled for Agrimonti by hospital staff, the eight candidates are:
Kevin Carruth. Vice chair of the Sonoma Valley Hospital Bond Oversight Committee. A principal of MC2, which consults to the public and private sector regarding large public works. Has spent 35 years in California state and county government, leading and managing large organizations with difficult budget issues and complex operations.
Gina Cuclis. Served nine years on the Sonoma Planning Commission. Past president of the Verano Springs Association. Mother of twin daughters, Cuclis is a resident of the Springs.
David Chambers. A professor of dental education at the School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, in San Francisco. Served on Commission on Dental Accreditation from 1992-97, and as examiner for the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award program, evaluating healthcare programs, from 1997-2002. He has been on the Board of Regents of the American College of Dentists and ACD Foundation
Janice Downey. A practicing family law attorney with offices in Sonoma and Windsor. She was a co-leader in the Save Our Neighborhoods group, which successfully fought the proposed building of a new hospital in a residential area. She is a member of the rules committee, family law section, of the Sonoma County Bar Association.
John Gurney. Police Chief of Sonoma from 1993 to his retirement in 2005, he then joined Bank of America as manager of Corporate Security Protective Services. Holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in management and organization.
Michael Lipson. Physician and anesthesiologist, on staff at Sonoma Valley Hospital from 1997 to 2009. Serves as President of the hospital’s medical staff, member of Executive Committee, Anesthesia Committee, Surgery Committee, Obstetrical and Perinatal Committee, Surgical Operations Committee and the hospital CEO Search Committee.
Frank Mazzone. With degree in mechanical engineering, opened own engineering firm overseeing large construction projects in Buffalo, NY, before retiring in Sonoma. Currently Chairman of Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.
Daniel Vrooman. Pharmacist and pharmacy manager with extensive experience in all phases of pharmacy operations including management, staff supervision and customer service.
The meeting will be held Wednesday, August 12, at 7 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at 177 First Street West, and will be broadcast live on SVTV Channel 27.
