Columbia Memorial | Health Compass | Spring 2018

>> introduction By Constance Waisanen, CMH Board of Trustees President Following the achievement of opening the new CMH–OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative, the CMH Board of Trustees and the hospital’s administrative team met last fall to update and expand our strategic plan. Becoming a regional leader in rural healthcare One of the top goals we have committed to for the next five years is to become the regional leader in rural healthcare. While this is a bold initiative, as an independent, not-for-profit organization, we have the advantage of being more nimble than larger organizations. We also understand the needs of our community better since we are governed by a local board. Our board members live and work here and are deeply rooted in this community, which means everything we do is focused on helping our friends and neighbors lead healthy and productive lives. Providing accessible healthcare There’s a real need to continue bringing healthcare home to our community. We want to provide as much service locally as is logistically possible and, through our partnerships, provide that care at a level of quality that matches that of the top medical systems. Preparing for a connected future Trends for the future include leveraging technology to bring medical care into the home or workplace. I foresee a future where people can run simple medical tests at home that will upload directly to their medical provider, speak with a doctor or specialist virtually, and have prescriptions delivered. As we move toward this more connected future, we will streamline the process of requesting, receiving and paying for healthcare. I look to the advances in manufacturing for inspiration. Production cycles that once took weeks have been reduced to a matter of days. We can do that with healthcare as well. CMH is committed to providing exceptional care. We want ev- eryone we serve in the CMH system to be absolutely delighted. I’m super excited at what the future will bring to improve the health of our community. Future focus Meet our new leadership The Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) leadership team welcomes two new members this year. Nicole Williams, COO CMH named Nicole Williams its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO, Williams oversees CMH’s day-to-day operations. Williams was raised in Astoria and has served the community for more than 20 years. She served as the CEO of Clatsop Care Health District for four years and with Clatsop County government for more than 16 years. She has a master’s degree in public administration. “I am grateful to be part of a healthcare organization that takes pride in the community and the services it provides.” Zach Schmitt, CFO Zach Schmitt joined CMH as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He works closely with Erik Thorsen, CEO, and Nicole Williams, COO. Schmitt and his family moved to the North Oregon Coast from Redbud, Illinois. He was raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in finance. His career in healthcare includes six years working at a 365-bed hospital in the St. Louis area and working as the CFO of a critical access hospital. “CMH has already recognized tremendous growth and financial sustainability over the past couple of years. I want to build onto those successes and help CMH continue to grow and expand while improving patient satisfaction and financial stability.” 2 HEALTH COMPASS SPRING 2018