Tomah Health board of directors’ chair B. Scott Nicol was reelected to his position during the hospital’s annual meeting Jan. 20. Nicol described the past year as ‘exciting’ referring to construction of a 9,500 sq. ft. addition that enhance clinical services through the development of a simulation lab for hands on clinical education, training, and skills building and add a conference room named in recognition of John and Velda Felton of Warrens, whose trust allocated nearly $2.2 million to Tomah Health programs for future growth. “You can’t have the expansion we’re having that’s brought about because of need for service,” said Nicol. “Next year is going to have just a lot of different ongoing pieces that are going to be integrated together. So that is what I look forward to,” he said. Work on the hospital’s addition is expected to be completed in March.
Nicol credited hospital staff for the success of the organization over the past year. “It starts with employees at every level. It all comes about with everybody listening, because that’s how you get continued quality, that’s how you get retention of good employees, and that’s how you get satisfied customers, and that’s how you get a five-star rating.”
Nicol served on the former Tomah Memorial Hospital board of directors from 1990-1996. “Mostly what I’m pleased about being board chair is to continue what happened in 1952 when they built the first hospital. They did it as a team effort, as a community,” explained Nicol. “Each time there’s been speed bumps, the existing board chairs have stepped up. I’ve had some pretty good people that I’ve got to follow along and pick their brains. The goal is to try and keep that inspiration that happened in 1952.”
In 2008, members of the former hospital corporation amended the organization’s Articles of Incorporation to allow for a self-perpetuating board, which relies on a nominating committee of board members and community leaders to nominate new candidates.
Paul Potter of Tomah was elected to a three-year term on the 10-person board. Potter served two terms on the board in 2012, including two years as board chair in 2016 and 2017. “Having been born and raised in Tomah, I have family and friends who depend on quality health care services, and I’m committed to ensuring they receive the excellent care they deserve,” said Potter. “I’m eager to contribute my energy and perspective toward Tomah Health’s mission of providing accessible, compassionate care to our community.”
Potter is the director of Technological Infrastructure for the Tomah area School District. “I can help the board make informed decisions about technology investments and ensure Tomah Health has the infrastructure needed to deliver quality patient care while managing costs and security risks effectively,” added Potter. He also commended hospital staff calling them ‘the backbone of the organization.’ “Their dedication, compassion, and expertise create an environment where patients receive exceptional care, and it’s their collective commitment to our mission that makes Tomah Health a trusted health care provider in our community.”
Potter replaced Sue Playter-Mubarak of Tomah who completed her second, three-year term. In addition to Potter’s election, current hospital board member Wes Revels was reelected vice chairman, while board member Diana Gerke was elected secretary replacing Playter-Mubarak. Deb Buswell was reelected treasurer.
Tomah residents John Tessmann, Beth Arity, Todd Torkelson, and John Robertson, III, M.D. and Jennifer Drexler, D.O. make up the reminder of the board. Robertson and Drexler are on the board as medical staff representatives. Both currently serve on the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee which oversees medical practices at Tomah Health.
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