Board of Directors Adopts New Policies, Bylaws

GOLD BEACH, OR (January 28, 2015) - The Curry Health District Board of Directors has been working with nationally renowned board governance expert Bill Charney of Charney Associates, and board Chair Gary Anderson is now seeing the future of the Board and the Health District in a whole new light - optimistically and with confidence.

The Board on Tuesday, Jan. 20 finished their final day of three days of education begun in late October, and completed their development of the Board Governing Policies Manual, a 39-page document that defines the board process, management parameters, and board-management delegation.

The manual provides clear, proactive policies developed to guide District Board officers, members and committees, as well as the Chief Executive Officer and staff.

According to Curry Health Network CEO Wayne Hellerstedt, all five board members welcomed and embraced the governance education. However, Vice Chair Deb Wilson also gives a good portion of the credit for what she described as the current strength and cohesiveness of the Board to the addition of the two new board members sworn in last fall, Ryan Ringer and Rebecca Moore.

"Ryan and Rebecca really bring a lot to the table. With Ryan's business management and financial background, and Rebecca's knowledge gained through many years working for the Network, we couldn't have two better members. They each have young families. They are lifelong residents who understand the community needs, and they are very passionate about quality healthcare." Wilson said.

Anderson agrees. "The Board is functioning amazingly well together, and is working and communicating better with Administration," he said. "We as board members have diverse backgrounds and ages, and individual strengths and perspectives - yet together we just really 'fit'".

"The new governance system makes so much sense and we can already see the benefits," he said. "It is going to help the Board, it is going to help Administration, and ultimately it will benefit the community."

Bill Charney praised the Board's level of commitment and active participation in the process to improve the governance policies and procedures. "I like my work," he said, "but love it when folks really want to do right - not just go through the motions. This board has shown every indication that they'll implement the new strategies they learned to address the complex issues that all boards face." He paused, and then added, "I have every reason to believe that what was once an adequate board will continue to develop into a collaborative and exceptional board."

As impressed as Charney was with the Board, Moore was equally impressed with the governance education. "We all know and understand our roles and authority, we've set guidelines and boundaries, and what is even more exciting is that we're all now able to focus on the true purpose of the District."

According to the governing policies, that purpose is defined as "Healthy communities in which there is efficient, quality health care with results optimizing use of available resources".

The Governing Body of the District also revised their Bylaws during the Charney workshop and has committed to ongoing board development through continued education and training. The Board Governing Policies Manual and the Bylaws are available on the Network's web site.