John Ponikvar, a member of the Memorial Regional Health Board of Trustees for over a year, has recently graduated from the inaugural cohort of the National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA) Rural Hospital Board Certification Program. This accomplishment highlights his commitment to improving rural healthcare and increases the board’s capacity to navigate the challenges faced by rural hospitals.

NRHA’s Rural Hospital Board Certification Program was developed by rural hospital board members to help rural hospital board members strengthen their leadership skills and lead their hospital to success. An individual with this certification will immediately be recognized as qualified to serve as a rural hospital board member. NRHA’s Rural Hospital Certification Programs are facilitated by the Center for Rural Health Leadership.

“We expect the best of our CEO. We expected the best of our management team. We expect the best of our employees. We need to expect the best of ourselves,” said Ponikvar on the motivation to complete the program.

Ponikvar was one of 15 board members selected for the first cohort. Beginning in June 2023, he joined participants from across the country for the 8-month program, which included virtual courses and assessments. Through the program, he gained valuable insights into various aspects of boardmanship, including governance, strategic and long-term planning, goal setting, community health, board benchmarking, leadership development, advocacy, community collaboration, medical staff credentialing, and board philanthropy. Despite his experience owning a business for 41 years and serving on a bank board, Ponikvar found hospital finance uniquely complex, noting the critical role in ensuring the financial stability and success of healthcare institutions.

Additionally, the program allowed a new network of connection for Ponikvar. His cohort colleagues, who are also tackling similar challenges such as financial burdens, recruitment, and understanding their communities’ needs, have become a valuable support system. United by their focus on rural health, this group continues to collaborate through the cohort, sharing their experiences, networking, and working through issues together.

Ponikvar’s biggest takeaway from the program is the importance of engaging the board with the community to ensure sustainability. He plans to bring back a robust strategic plan focused on evaluating community needs, setting meaningful goals for CEO evaluation, and preparing for economic changes. By fostering meaningful conversations and acting as ambassadors, board members can help the hospital thrive for the next 20 years, ensuring it remains a vital resource for the community.

Congratulations to all July 2023 cohort participants:

• Alec Clowes – Mammoth Hospital, Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
• Christine Musgrove – Scotland County Hospital, Gorin, Mo.
• Chryisse Regehr – Langdon Prairie Health, Langdon, N.D.
• Craig Mullet – Pomerene Hospital, Millersburg, Ohio.
• Dennis Pickrel – Carlinville Area Hospital, Carlinville, Ill.
• Francine Webber – St. Vincent General Hospital District, Leadville, Colo.
• Jamie Tippett – Pomerene Hospital, Millersburg, Ohio.
• John Ponikvar – Memorial Regional Health, Craig, Colo.
• Kay Olson – North Shore Health, Grand Marias, Minn.
• Mary Sanders – North Shore Health, Grand Marias, Minn.
• Patricia (Patti) Mitchell- Barrett Hospital and HealthCare, Dillon, Mont.
• Patricia (Patti) Vickman- Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.