JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting
2020 was an unusual year, but successful in spite of COVID-19
The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2020 on Thursday, Jan. 21.
Two board members were elected to serve on the board: Trevor Steinmeyer, for his second term; and Glenda Austin, for her first term, taking the spot left by Brian Scheele. Steinmeyer is employed by Flood Communications at Ol’ Red 99.5 radio in Fairbury. Glenda is an owner and agent of Shelter Insurance in Fairbury. Board members are elected from among members of the corporation and may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.
Linda Bauer, board chairman, thanked the administration, medical staff, board members and staff for their efforts and excellent care. She gave a number of highlights of the year, as listed for the membership in a report from Dr. Burke Kline, DHA, chief executive officer. Dr. Kline has been CEO since June.
Highlights included JCH&L being named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for Quality; being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for the sixth time in six years; being recognized for a Performance Leadership award; and having Gardenside recognized as a 5-Star facility. In staff news, Kensly Williams PA-C joined the staff in February 2020. Rebecca Stroklund, D.O., joined the staff in January 2021. Ashley Norden was named clinic administrator in May and earned her Rural Health Clinic professional certification in November. Doug Ruzicka, PA-C, retired in January after 40 years in Fairbury. New services included the addition of nephrologist Jeffrey T. Marple, MD, by telehealth; Casey Bowen, MD, dermatologist; Wendy Reeves, OB-GYN; Aaron Ward, MD, diabetes specialist by telehealth; and Lauren Cox, ODT, OTR/L, with JCH&L Sport Medicine and Rehab Services adding pediatric occupational therapy services. Rebecca Bowen, MD, otolaryngology, head and neck surgery specialist, replaced Dr. H. Russell Semm, who retired; and Joni Tilford, MD, medical oncologist, replaced Dr. Alan Berg, who retired.
Chance Klasek, CFO, reported that both revenues and expenses were up in fiscal 2020, with the year ending on a total margin of 14.1 percent. It was one of JCH&L’s best years financially.
Anyone who has donated $100 or more to Jefferson Community Health & Life is a member of the private not-for-profit corporation.
At the regular monthly board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers were elected for 2020. Officers are: Trevor Steinmeyer, chairman; Brian Blobaum, vice chairman; and Sheri Schultis, secretary-treasurer.
