Telluride Med Center: 2 New Board Members

04 Sep Telluride Med Center: 2 New Board Members

The Telluride Hospital District (THD) announced this week the appointment of two new members onto its Board of Directors as well as the resignations of two outgoing directors.

Joining the Board of Directors are Davis Fansler and Richard Betts.

“These newest directors embody the spirit of community and bring experience, expertise and energy to our mission. No doubt they will be outstanding assets to our organization as we work to shape the future of health care in the region,” said THD President, Larry Mallard.

Fansler brings a lot of healthcare experience to the THD board. Prior to his retirement he was among the leadership of the healthcare practice within Wipfli in Minneapolis, consisting of over 85 professionals providing business advisory services to integrated delivery systems, independent medical practices, senior services and rural health systems. Fansler was also one of the primary authors of Wipfli’s monthly “Perspective,” including its annual “Healthcare Trends and Issues.”

Fansler has a long history of volunteering locally with organizations like the School District, Regional Aiport Authority, Ski and Snowboard Club, and the Tri-County Health Network.

Betts has called Telluride home since 1985. He owns and operates ASAP Accounting & Payroll, Inc., a firm providing expertise to companies throughout the U.S., including many of Telluride’s businesses.

Betts was appointed to the Connect for Health Colorado Board to represent Colorado’s small business interest in the transition to the Healthcare Reform Act. He’s also the Chair of the Audit Committee for the Telluride Foundation and volunteers as a Director on the Tri-county Health Network, which services Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties.

Fansler and Betts replace THD Vice President, Dan Garner and Treasurer, Andrew Karow who each tendered their resignations at the THD July Board Meeting.

Garner’s term was scheduled to end in March of 2016. Karow’s term would have allowed him to hold his seat through 2018. Both Fansler and Betts will stand for reelection in May of 2016.

Garner has served as a Director for nearly seven years and Andrew for nearly two.

“Dan was an insightful and forward-thinking part of our team. He was always willing to challenge the conventional way of doing things,” said Gordon Reichard, executive director of the Telluride Medical Center. “Andrew’s clear communication style, professionalism and sharp eye for the numbers have been beneficial to both myself and our staff.”

The Telluride Medical Center currently operates at or above patient capacity most days. Administrative offices were recently moved off-site to make room for more exam rooms-a short-term fix according to Reichard.

Despite the real need for an expanded facility and general support from Mountain Village Town officials, THD’s path to a new regional medical center includes a thorough process still to navigate. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must first approve a Wetlands Permit and Mitigation Application and funding strategies must be developed.

The future site of the region’s medical center–located behind The Market at Mountain Village and Mountain Village Town Hall–was conveyed to the THD by the town of Mountain Village in May.