Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting: October 16, 2024

SUMMARY MINUTES
CHAIRMAN’S MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
October 16, 2024
10:00 AM

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Barb Bodnar Michael Kint Paul Westcott
William Cooney Karen Deigl
Kerry Bartlett

STAFF: Dawn Carboni Jennifer Frederick
Kate Voss Frank Isele
Jennifer Peshke, Esq. Kaytlin Dickens

ZOOM: Anne Posey Ann Marie McCrystal Marie Andress Kim Jeansome
Jeff Pickering Lisa Zahner

ATTENDEES: Matt Riser Vicki Soule Cecelia Stalnaker Kellie Hendley
Wayne Creelman

Convene Meeting

Ms. Cunningham convened the meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 10:00 AM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person.

Clearview Research Introduction- Karen Garner, Director of Operations and Steven Vancore, President

Mr. Isele provided background information about Clearview Research. He stated that while the District moves forward with their goals and objectives, it is imperative that we collect up to date healthcare data on an annual basis. Therefore, he is recommending engaging services of Clearview to conduct a comprehensive survey with community members regarding their healthcare needs and issues. He further stated that this organization is highly recommended for their accurate data collection and is also utilized by the United Way.

Mr. Vancore, President of Clearview Research, addressed the Trustees and provided them with information relative to his professional background and company history. He then discussed the survey process and stated that the goal is to understand community healthcare needs and satisfaction levels through statistically significant survey results. The survey will utilize outbound phone calls to ensure a valid and reliable sample set. A method of stratified sampling will be used to ensure representation across demographics such as income, age, gender, and ethnicity. Additionally, survey results will be compared to national and state metrics to identify local issues versus broader trends. There was Trustee discussion regarding the potential value of oversampling the indigent population for deeper insights and they agreed to consider additional questions related to the indigent population in future surveys. It was also noted that Clearview will analyze variations in responses between different demographic groups to identify disparities. There were also concerns raised about the adequacy of the sample size for the ALICE population, with suggestions to oversample if necessary. In further Trustee discussion Ms. Deigl expressed her concern that some of the survey questions might be misinterpreted as referring to Cleveland Clinic rather than general healthcare. It was suggested that edits be made to ensure respondents understand they are about general healthcare services. There was also Trustee discussion surrounding the timing of the survey, and it was preferred that it occur after the election to avoid polling fatigue. After additional discussion Ms. Deigl made a motion to approve the engagement of Clearview Research to conduct the healthcare survey which was seconded by Ms. Bodnar. The motion carried unanimously.

CHS Property Update

Mr. Isele and Ms. Peshke both provided an update with regard the purchase of the CHS property for future use to house a women’s sober living facility. Mr. Isele stated that he has received the signed contract for the purchase of the property at $4 million and a 60 day due diligence period has begun to complete outstanding contingency items before a closing can take place. Those outstanding items include resolving any open permits and liens associated with the property, confirmation from the county that a sober living facility can be operated on site, and assuring that the land use restriction and its operating requirements will sunset in July, 2026. Ms. Peshke stated that she is working with the seller’s attorney on these outstanding items and Ms. Deigl and Mr. Isele are working with the county on the zoning requirements. Lastly it was discussed that the next steps in the process will be the development of an RFP to find an operator for the sober living program.

Other Business

Ms. Cunningham stated that she attended the CCIRH Board of Directors meeting on the 14th and gave a short presentation to its members about the District and its functions. She explained that many of the CCIRH Board members were not aware of the Districts operations and relationship with CCIRH, and the presentation was well received. After she and Mr. Isele met with Dr. Rothman and CFO Joe Iannucci to have further discussions surrounding the strategic plan for future support of CCIRH. At this time, they are not ready to formally present, but they hope to bring forth a report in early November. There was Trustee discussion surrounding the District’s relationship and oversight of CCIRH and Dr. Rothmans role and reporting within the Cleveland Clinic organization.

Next there was discussion surrounding the Steward bankruptcy and Sebastian River Medical Center sale. Mr. Isele stated that he reached out to the newly appointed CEO of the East Region for Orland Health, to make an introduction and gain any additional insight as to the services they will be offering at the hospital. At this time, it is not clear when the sale will be completed but Mr. Isele will update the Trustees if he receives any further information.

Ms. Bartlett stated that next month the United Way is hosting its Powered with Purpose series highlighting Children’s services and education. She believes this is an important topic and relevant to the District. However, the event is scheduled for the same time as the Districts regular monthly meeting. She indicated that this may also be a conflict for other Trustees, and it was discussed whether the District should consider changing the date of its November meeting. Ms. Cunningham instructed Ms. Voss to check with the County Chambers to see if there was any additional availability that week to hold the meeting.

Public Comment & Adjourn

There was no further business and Ms. Cunningham asked for public comment. Mr. Matt Riser addressed the board and stated that he serves as a community member on the CCIRH Board of Directors. He provided some data and background information related to CCIRH and stated that they have invested resources and capital improvements at hospital and within the community. He would like to see better communication to the public with regard to the good things CCIRH is doing and the improvements that are being made. There was no further public comment, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

WILLIAM COONEY

SEAT 7

William P Cooney MD 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

Origination: Elected (2 OC)

Occupation: Retired Surgeon

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

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

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected NOC

Occupation: President/CEO

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

BARBARA S. BODNAR

SEAT 3

Barbara has practiced physical therapy, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine, in her hometown of Vero Beach since 1981. She was an integral part of the sports medicine team at Vero Beach High School for 35 years. Barbara completed the reserve police academy training, and served with the Vero Beach Police Department from 1982-1989. Her volunteer involvement in the community includes serving on the City of Vero Beach Recreation Committee, Arthritis Association of Indian River County, and the Senior Good Life Games. She and her husband, Michael, enjoy spending their free time traveling in their RV and training their Labradors, Gunner and Chase, in K-9 performance events, including agility and dock jumping. Barbara is a lifelong resident of Indian River County, and received her degree in physical therapy from Chattanooga State College. Barbara 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

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Physical Therapist

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

MARYBETH CUNNINGHAM

CHAIRWOMAN - SEAT 1

Marybeth’s professional career encompasses 34 years of working for GM/Delphi in a variety of positions. Starting out as a traffic claims clerk, she worked her way through the organization, with roles in Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality and Reliability. She retired in 2009 as the executive director of Global Operations for the Packard Electric Division of Delphi. In this position, she was responsible for 94 plants in 33 countries. Marybeth has served on the board of directors for numerous non-profits, including Northeast Ohio Adoption Agency; United Way of Warren Ohio, where she served as chairman of the annual campaign for two years; Up with People; Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club; Indian River Community Foundation, and the Indian River Mental Health Collaborative. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from Albion College. Marybeth was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2014, and joined the Board in January 2015. She currently serves as Chair.

 

Term:  1/15-12/18   |   1/19-12/22   |   1/23- 12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected  NOC | Elected NOC

Occupation: Retired Executive GM