Indian River County Hospital District

Fostering collaboration to improve healthcare in Indian River County

WHAT DOES THE DISTRICT DO?

The Indian River County Hospital District plays a crucial role in enhancing community health and well-being.

We are an independent special taxing district established by a Special Act of the 1959 Florida Legislature. The authority within the Special Act allows us to assist with a broad range of healthcare programs and services within Indian River County.

Through property tax assessments, we secure funding to guarantee that vital healthcare services, spanning primary care, specialty care, dental care, behavioral health, health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based programs are accessible to all residents in our county.

Our collaborative efforts with local healthcare and community-based organizations aim to foster innovation and integration, creating a cohesive community that diligently identifies and addresses gaps in the continuum of care. This collective approach serves to improve the health and well-being for all, uplifts members of our community and lays the foundation for a resilient future filled with endless possibilities.

Legal Notice of Upcoming Meetings: March 2025

Pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 286.010 “if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board, agency, or commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based”.

A Letter FroM

Dr. William Cooney, Chairman &
Frank Isele, Executive Director

As we step into a new year, we do so with optimism and a deep commitment to advancing the health and well-being of Indian River County residents. Over the past year, the Indian River County Hospital District has made significant strides in improving healthcare access, strengthening community partnerships, and investing in innovative programs that address our community’s evolving needs.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on expanding access to primary care services – an essential foundation for every individual’s healthcare journey. Primary care is often the first step toward overall well-being, and we are dedicated to ensuring that more residents can access the care they need when they need it. Alongside this, we will continue strengthening mental health and substance use treatment programs, recognizing their profound impact on individuals, families, and the broader community. We will deepen our investment in preventive health initiatives, ensuring that more residents receive early interventions before health challenges escalate into crises.

A key initiative in the coming year is our support for the programs and services provided by Treasure Coast Community Health, Whole Family Health, and Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital (CCIRH), ensuring high-quality care for thousands of uninsured and underinsured residents. Through funding and strategic collaboration, we maintain access to primary care, maternity care, specialty care, and comprehensive women’s health services. Our commitment extends to expanding access to care for women through the Partners in Women’s Health program at CCIRH; this program plays a vital role in providing prenatal and maternity care, reproductive health, and wellness services. By investing in these organizations, we remove barriers to care and ensure that all members of our community, regardless of financial status, receive the medical attention they deserve.

At the same time, we remain committed to expanding access for those seeking long-term recovery support, including the planned women’s recovery residence. This initiative will provide a stable and supportive environment for women in recovery, offering resources to help them rebuild their lives in a safe and structured setting.

We are currently exploring opportunities to generate non-tax revenue to support the District’s goals and objectives. By identifying new funding sources we aim to enhance our ability to invest in programs that improve the health and well-being of Indian River County residents.

As always, the District remains focused on making thoughtful, data-driven investments that lead to measurable improvements in health outcomes and enhanced quality of life in Indian River County. We are grateful for the dedication of our partners, providers, and community members who share in our mission and make this work possible.

Dr. William Cooney
Chairman

Frank Isele, PT, MBA, FACHE
Executive Director

Mission & Vision Statements

Our Mission

To improve the health of Indian River County residents.

Our Vision

An innovative and integrated healthcare network that improves the health of Indian River County residents

Strategic Plan

Our Values

Stewardship

Commitment to the careful and responsible administration of funds and assets to promote the health and well-being of our residents and to demonstrate measurable benefits to the community.

Partnership

commitment to building a health collaborative, interdependent relationship with all of our residents for the continuous improvement of the community’s healthcare assets.

Integrity

Commitment to behave with honesty, sincerity and transparency, based upon high ethical standards.

Respect

Commitment to valuing a culture of inclusion and diversity built on trust, respect and compassion for all.

Accountability

commitment to accept full responsibility for our actions and decisions.

Leadership

Commitment to educate our residents towards utilizing the best healthy practices and to ensure the community’s resources are wisely invested and adaptable to the changing health needs of our residents.

WILLIAM COONEY, M.D.

SEAT 7

William P Cooney M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon (retired) who has been a resident of Vero Beach since 2004. He practiced orthopedic surgery at Indian River Medical Center from 2006-2015 within the orthopedic practice of Prosports. He served on the IRMC Foundation for four years. Prior to this, he was a Professor of Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, Chair of the Division of Hand Surgery and Vice president of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Mayo Clinic Development Department. He has been President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation, Consultant at Shrine Hospital systems. He was editor in chief of the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and co-editor of the Journal of Hand Surgery. He held grants in hand and wrist surgery sponsored by National Institute of Health (NIH) and Stryker Orthopedics and has over 250 publications in the field of orthopedic surgery, hand, wrist and elbow surgery and microsurgery- free tissue transfers. Within Indian River County, he has served as Chairman of the Board and President of the Hope for Families Homeless Center, Board of the Indian River Hospital Foundation, We Care and Whole Family Health Center medical practices.

Term:  1/23-12/24   |   1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected (2 OC)

Occupation: Retired Surgeon

Email: w.cooney@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

KERRY BARTLETT

SEAT 6

Kerry Bartlett,  of Vero Beach, has more than 30 years experience in philanthropy, including as vice president of the VNA & Hospice Foundation; VNA chief advancement officer from 2001-2007; and executive director of the Indian River Community Foundation from 2008-2014. Kerry is the founder of The Bartlett Company, which focuses on nonprofit and philanthropic consulting. She also is a managing director for Carter, a Vero Beach company that specializes in advancing philanthropy worldwide. Kerry has spent more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector as a fund development professional and has particular expertise in annual funds, major gifts, endowment campaigns and legacy giving. Kerry is also known for creating and implementing effective donor-centered stewardship programs that build, maintain and strengthen nonprofits’ relationships.

Term:  3/21-12/22   |   1/23-12/26

Origination: Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
Elected NOC

Occupation: Philanthropic Consultant/Managing Director

Email: k.bartlett@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

KAREN DEIGL

SEAT 5

Karen has been President and CEO of Senior Resource Association, where she successfully advocates for older adults and their families, since 2006. In that role, she helps provide activities, education and services benefiting older and disabled adults in Indian River County. In addition, Karen provides oversight of the community mass transit system for residents and visitors of the county. As CEO, Karen is responsible for a $7 million operational annual budget and managing more than 100 employees. She ensures that fiscally sound and responsible solutions are created to provide healthcare and a better quality of life for all Indian River County residents. Karen earned a BS in Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University and an MHA from the University of Florida. She was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2016, and joined the Board in January 2017.

Term:  1/17-12/20   |   1/21-12/24   |   1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected NOC

Occupation: President/CEO

Email: k.deigl@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

PAUL WESTCOTT

SEAT 4

Paul Westcott has been a Board Certified Workers' Compensation Attorney since 1999. In addition, Paul has earned his certification from the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil and Family Law Mediator. Receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in both Economics and Political Science at Florida Southern College, he continued his education at Stetson University College of Law. He graduated from Stetson in 1988, having been a published member of the Stetson Law Review. Paul has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1988.  He began his practice in a combined civil litigation and transactional practice before serving as an Assistant State Attorney.  He began his career in Workers' Compensation with Rissman, Weisberg, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & McClain P.A., where he handled Workers' Compensation cases at the trial and appellate levels.  In 1997, Paul opened the Ft. Pierce office of Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott P.A. handling workers' compensation cases at all levels throughout central and south Florida, while managing the operations of that office.  During his nearly 25 year career in Workers' Compensation, he lectured on a wide range of industry topics.


Term: 
1/23-12/26   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC 

Occupation: Attorney & Mediator

Email: p.westcott@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

CHUCK MACKETT, M.D.

SEAT 3

Charles “Chuck” Mackett MD is a practicing primary care physician who has a long and storied career in military, academic and executive medicine. Dr. Mackett recently retired from Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital where he served for fourteen years as Chief Medical Officer, Chief of Staff and President of Indian River Medical Associates. Dr. Mackett serves on the Board of Directors of the We Care Foundation of Indian River County and the Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County. He currently cares for patients at Treasure Coast Community Health. These experiences give Dr. Mackett a unique perspective regarding mental health, substance abuse, maternal-child care, care for veterans, preventive medicine and access to high quality medical care.

Dr. Mackett is a graduate with honors from the University of Notre Dame and is a graduate from the SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and earned his Master of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Mackett is trained in Aerospace Medicine and is board certified in Family Medicine and Geriatrics. He is a combat veteran, former Air Force Hospital Commander and flight surgeon who served in Germany, Haiti, Japan, Korea, Romania and Iraq. His many military decorations include two Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star Medal, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal and three Air Force Meritorious Service Medals. Dr. Mackett is an Outstanding Graduate of the Air War College.

A native of Upstate New York, Dr. Mackett and his family first moved to Florida in 1996 when he served as Fight Commander and Residency Program Director at Eglin Air Force Base before later serving as Medical Group Commander at Patrick and MacDill Air Force Bases. Dr. Mackett served as Associate Professor, Executive Vice Chairman of Family Medicine and Consultant in the International and Commercial Services Division at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center before returning permanently to Florida and Vero Beach in 2009.

As a Hospital District Trustee, Dr. Mackett plans to advocate for improved access to mental health services and access to affordable high quality primary and specialty care for all residents of Indian River County particularly mothers, children, the elderly, the underserved and veterans.

Term: 1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected NOC

Occupation:  Primary Care Physician

Email: c.mackett@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

MICHAEL KINT

SEAT 2

Born and raised in Illinois, Michael was a Theatre and Speech Instructor at Lincoln College when he moved to Indian River County in 1984. He was the Director of Education for the Riverside Theatre for a decade, helping to build the Riverside Children’s Theatre and directing many productions. Michael is well known in the community for his 25 years of service at the United Way of Indian River County, 16 of those years as the CEO. He is very proud of his work with dozens of nonprofit agencies and his commitment to creating and strengthening community collaboratives. Michael was also an Adjunct Faculty member at Barry University for 20 years. He has served on many boards and committees over the years, including: Children’s Services Advisory Committee Needs Assessment, Chair of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for many years, and he was a founding member of the Mental Health Collaborative, the Senior Collaborative of IRC and the IRC Executive Roundtable. As a Hospital District Trustee he is committed to serving all the citizens of our county. In particular, he hopes to see enhanced availability and affordability for behavioral/mental health for all in need.

Term: 1/23- 12/26

Origination: Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Retired CEO United Way

Email: kintm.irchd@gmail.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

ALLEN JONES

SEAT 1

In 1973, Mr. Jones began a 27 year career with Merrill Lynch, eventually becoming a senior executive of the company, Senior executive positions included Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company, serving on the Private Client Executive Committee and various other leadership roles including leading the effort to transition Merrill Lynch to a fee based rather than commission based business. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Mr. Jones’ professional career began in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968, achieving the rank of Captain. He then worked with Investment Company Dabbs, Sullivan, Trulock located in Little Rock, Arkansas rising to partner before the firm was sold and joining Merrill Lynch. Mr. Jones received his B.S.B.A in 1964 from University of Arkansas. He further completed advanced management courses at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University, the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University. His past community service efforts include serving on the Board of Directors for the John’s Island Club from 2008-2010; Board of Directors for the Indian River Medical Center from 2007-2010; Chairman of the Indian River Medical Center Foundation from 2006-2010; Board of Directors of the Bedens Brook Golf Club; Board of Directors of the Princeton Community Hospital from 1994-1999 and the Chairman of the American Health Association, in Houston, Texas.

Term: 1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected 2 OC

Occupation: Retired CEO

Email: a.jones@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960