Cole Memorial observed its 50th Anniversary during the corporation’s Annual Meeting at the Coudersport Consistory. Presentations included an “Honoring Charles Cole” video. Close to 150 Board Members, Community Benefit Advisors and hospital leaders attended.
Cole Memorial’s Chief of Medical Staff Brenda Wahlers, MD, reviewed progress made by the health systems’ providers and medical programs in fiscal year 2017, prior to a “Report to the Community” shared by President and CEO Ed Pitchford. In addition, a special proclamation was delivered by Suzan Paisley from Representative Martin Causer’s office.
The results of the 2017 election for the Board of Directors were announced. Michael Callahan, D.O., Dave Crandall, Alanna Huck and Betty Wallace were elected to the Board for three-year terms.
The 2017-2018 Board of Directors will be comprised of the following individuals: Chair Charles Updegraff; Vice Chair Thomas Shaffer; Treasurer Jeanne Miglicio; Secretary Alanna Huck; David Buckler; Melynda Budd; Michael Callahan, D.O.; Christan Caramia, M.D.; David Crandall; John Leete; Robert Smith; Jason Tronetti, D.O. and Betty Wallace.
Cole Memorial’s Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Director of Acute Care Services Emily Bunnell and retired Chief Nurse Executive Cindy Hardesty presented Honorary Director plaques to Netra Baker, RN, photo on the left, and Ann Slotta, RN, on the right
Five Community Benefit Advisors were re-appointed for a second five-year term. They include Sharon Crandall, David Erickson, Amy Foust, Charles Hagerty and Sam Lush. In addition, the following new Cole Memorial Community Benefit Advisors were named: Penny Barr; Reverend Thomas Brown; Jacqueline Canter; Angela Eckstrom; Sherry Harmon; Nick Hartranft; Alex Johnson; Robin Kulek, RN, MS Ed; Jeremy Morey; Heidi Scrivo Passmore; Whitney Thomas; Andrea Veilleux and Dawn Wooster.
In keeping with the practice of recognizing those who had a significant impact on the long-term success of the hospital, two individuals were elected as Honorary Directors.
Cole Memorial named Netra Baker, RN, as an Honorary Director for being a “big idea” leader at Cole. Netra Baker joined Cole in 1977 as a nurse’s aide. She quickly pursued her LPN and then immediately in 1979 she obtained her RN. She founded the Cardiac Rehab program at Cole in 1984 and led Occupational Health which later became the Community Outreach and Wellness Programs. In 2001, Netra moved into Staff Development to help train nurses. Later she participated in the development of the Women’s Health and Oncology programs. Since her retirement, Netra can still be seen from time-to-time in the Patterson Cancer Center.
Margaret Ann Slotta, RN, was also named an Honorary Director after 40 years of dedication to patient care at Cole Memorial. She joined the Hospital in 1977 as a registered nurse prior to advancing to a nurse supervisor post. In 1995, she was appointed the Director of Acute Care Services, a position she held until 2014. Compassionate and competent bedside care of patients and residents described Ann’s strengths. In November of 2015, Ann “retired” but like many nurses, she continues to help out; continuing her mission of caring. Even after “retiring” Ann restarted the certified nurse aid training program at Cole and graduated her first class in July 2017.
“Cole Memorial appreciates Ann and Netra for their passion, their commitment and their engagement, which goes beyond measure,” said Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Director of Acute Care Services Emily Bunnell. “I’ve been honored to call them my mentors, colleagues and friends over the years.”
To conclude Cole Memorial Hospital’s 50th Anniversary celebration, Henry Lush, the Board president in 1967, conducted a toast. Current Board President Charles Updegraff, delivered the closing remarks to honor Cole Memorial’s past and to highlight the organization’s future.
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