WC Wisconsin News

B. Scott Nicol has been appointed as the new chairman of the Tomah Health Board of Directors, following an election at the organization's annual meeting on January 21. Nicol, who previously served as vice chair, succeeds Greg Gaarder after his completion of a second three-year term.

“I look forward to continue working with board members and staff to provide the highest quality patient care for the Tomah area,” said Nicol. “I also look to honor the dreams of those who in February 1950 began the effort to build the first Tomah Memorial Hospital, and to those who in 1990 made the remodeling of the hospital happen and finally to the tremendous community effort to open Tomah Health in 2019.”

Nicol was a member of the former Tomah Memorial Hospital board from 1990-1996. Reflecting on his experience, he noted, “I have always been amazed by the dedication and time given by all the volunteer board members that have served Tomah Memorial / Tomah Health. Their love of this community is so evident.”

Gaarder expressed pride in his service on the board: “I think what I appreciated most was learning just how difficult it is to have a health care system like Tomah Health in a small rural community,” he stated. “It’s easy to be the board chair when things are going so good and at Tomah Health and they really are, and I can’t speak enough about the people. It’s always about the people, and we have top notch people from top of organization throughout.” He anticipates continued progress for Tomah Health but acknowledges challenges ahead: “I see a lot of work in future maintain be competitive. With everything that’s going on world don’t know that we have lot control over lot things when comes health care but certainly think biggest issue thus far think team here one step ahead hopefully they’ll continue do that,” added Gaarder.

Wes Revels has been elected vice chairman replacing Nicol, while Sue Playter-Mubarak remains secretary and Deb Buswell continues as treasurer. John Tessmann joins as a new board member for a three-year term; he is CEO of Band Box Cleaners based in Tomah.

In 2008, changes were made to allow for a self-perpetuating board structure through amendments in Articles Incorporation using nominating committee consisting both current members community leaders propose new candidates.