Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System

President/Chief Executive Officer Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Mr. Downing joined the hospital in 1972. He became CEO in 1985. He received a Bachelor's degree in economics and completed his Master's in business administration prior to entering the graduate program in hospital administration. Mr. Downing is a member of the American Hospital Association's regional policy board and previously was a member of the board for the California Healthcare Association and is past president of the Monterey Bay Hospital Conference.

David H. Perrott, DDS, MD, MBA, FACS is Senior Vice President/Medical Director for the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in Salinas/Monterey California, a Joint Commission Hospital Surveyor and maintains a private practice in Salinas. He is a former Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco and Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Unit Chief and Residency Program Director at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Perrott has published extensively, served on numerous professional association committees and is the Associate Editor for the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He presently serves on several California Healthcare Association and California Healthcare Foundation Committees and was recently appointed to the Board of the Directors of the newly formed California Hospital and Patient Safety Organization. Dr. Perrott is a graduate of Creighton University School of Dentistry and Creighton University School of Medicine and the University of California, Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business Management and did post-graduate training at Emory University, The University of Tennessee School of Medicine/Knoxville and Northwestern University.

Elizabeth Lorenzi, MHA brings more than 19 years of experience in the healthcare industry to her role as Senior Vice President/Physician and Business Development for Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Joining Salinas Valley Memorial in July 1999, Ms. Lorenzi is a member of the Executive Management Team, and in her role as Senior Vice President she helps direct physician and business development activities and financial applications reporting. She also oversees the Marketing and Public Relations Department for the Healthcare System. Ms. Lorenzi has a strong background in leadership with a focus on strategic planning, market share expansion, service integration, network development, physician and board relations and legislative advocacy. Active in community healthcare collaborations, she served on the Insurance Task Force for the Community Health Plan. Ms. Lorenzi earned her Masters in Health Administration from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles in 1988, and she is a 1977 graduate of California State University, Fresno. Ms. Lorenzi is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. David Perrott, DDS, MD MBA (Fill-in for Leonard Brechini who is out on leave) Dr. David Perrott Specializes in Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery. He obtained his Professional Education at Creighton University School of Dentistry and Creighton University School of Medicine with an Internship at Emory University Hospital & Affiliated Hospitals. He completed his Residency at Emory University Hospital & Affiliated Hospitals and University of Tennesse Medical Center Knoxville followed up with a Fellowship at Northwestern University.

Since joining the Service League early in 2006 as a Patient Ambassador, I have also had the opportunity to assist in conducting Medical Museum tours, helping with the League's various fund raising sales, organizing the Medical Museum's historical library, staffing the presentation table at the Salinas Air Show, answering the donations telephone at the annual telethon, and participating in the Berries and Branches home tours. Each and every activity has definitely helped to enrich my personal focus on lifelong learning and making a positive difference in my corner of the world using my God-given abilities. I look forward to being part of a long and fruitful future with the SVMH Service League.

Since I joined the Service League on December 12, 1994, I have enjoyed my service at the Information Desk, Floral Service, Tours, Coffee Shop, and Ambassador Service, and have served as chairperson of Floral, General Tours, and Museum Tours. I'm a retired teachers' aide and elementary school librarian for 25 years, and continue to serve as a R.I.F. distributor for University Park and Lagunita schools. I enjoy my contact with fellow volunteers and the satisfaction of helping people who enter the hospital either as visitors or patients.

John R. Meyer, Director of Hospital Foundation John Meyer began as Director of the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation in September 1998. His first project was to raise $2 million for the Norman P. Andresen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Since then, he has led the Foundation in several successful campaign efforts. Prior to coming to Salinas, Meyer was in charge of both the foundation and the marketing department of a hospital in Indiana comparable in size to Salinas Valley Memorial. An avid golfer, Meyer had been a frequent tourist to the area when he learned of the national search for the Foundation's top spot. Joining him in his move was his wife Glenda. They have two grown children, a son and a daughter, and make their home in Las Palmas Ranch, south of Salinas. John can be emailed at jmeyer@svmh.com jmeyer@svmh.com .

Kendra Howell, Director of Corporate and Community Development and Children's Miracle Network Responsible for all aspects of the Children's Miracle Network program including annual Telecast and Radio-Thon, CMN Funds Disbursement and community outreach. Prior to starting with CMN in 1994, Kendra spent 13 years with Disney working in special events and public relations. Kendra can be reached at (831) 755-0777 or email at khowell@svmh.com khowell@svmh.com .

Nancy Woods, Coordinator, Children's Miracle Network/Special Events Responsible for managing CMN national and local sponsors, new sponsor development and assisting with all special events. Nancy can be reached at (831) 755-0777 or email at nwoods@svmh.com nwoods@svmh.com .

Chairperson Life-long resident of the Salinas Valley. She graduated from Dominican College with a Bachelors degree. She was owner and manager of Elizabeth Simmons Fashions in Carmel for many years. Carol has served on the Monterey Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors Corral de Tierra as well as the Alameda County Diabetes Association. She was president of the SVMH Foundation Board for four years prior to this board appointment and serves on many Foundation and Children's Miracle Network committees.

Mr. Pierson has been a licensed insurance broker since 1980. He was named Agent of the Year by Monterey Bay Assoc. of Ins. & Financial Advisors, 1995 & 1998 recipient of the Keppelman Award from the Monterey Bay Assoc. of Ins. and Financial Advisors for Integrity, Public Service & Dedication to the Insurance Profession. He is a Member of the Salinas Rotary Club, a volunteer at California Rodeo Salinas, California International Airshow and United Way and Member of Santa Rita Unified School District Strategic Planning team. He is a life-long resident of Monterey County.

Mr. Norman has lived in Monterey County most of his life. He graduated from Hartnell College with an Associate degree. He is president at Benchmark Distributing, Inc. and is married with 3 children.

Graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Biology and the Medical Colledge of Virginia with a DDS. He also has a certificate in Endontics from the University of Southern California. He currently serves on the Monterey Bay Dental Society as President and has served on the Rotary Club of Salinas, Relay for Life Board, California Dental Association Association Member of House Delegates and at Mary's Episcopal Church on various lay committees.

His speciality is Neurosurgery. He graduated from the University of Florida Medical College and has his Board Certification from American Board of Neurological Surgery. He interned at the Shands Hospital University of Florida.

In 1999, during my retirement years, I moved from New Jersey to California to be close to my daughter and her family. I had retired in 1992 from 25 years with county government, preceded by 25 years as a legal secretary. I became interested in volunteering and, perhaps because I live close to the Hospital I looked in that direction. In August, 2003, I completed my training to serve as a Patient Ambassador, and in 2004, I qualified as a volunteer in the Gift Shop. Each position is an ongoing education, and both have given me a sense of accomplished. I look forward to my schedules at the Hospital and working with the friends the Hospital and working with the friends I have made. I love being part of a team that serves patients and visitors in a manner reflecting the Hospital's commitment to the Community.

Governor Emeritus Mrs. McFadden first joined the SVMH Foundation Board of Governors in 1980. The Salinas Chamber of Commerce honored her with the Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award in 1999. In 1996, the Salinas Jaycees named her Humanitarian of the year. Mrs. McFadden has served on the boards and is a member of several agencies including Meals on Wheels, Monterey County Free Libraries, SVMH Service League and the National Steinbeck Center.

Gerald Dieter "Jerry" Griffin holds doctorates both in Pharmacy and Medicine and is in practice at Central Coast Cardiology. He completed medical school at Case Western Reserve University in the combined clerkship program with the University of Juarez. He also completed a flexible Internship at University Hospital at Case Western University, and a Residency in Emergency Medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio,Texas. In June 2002, he retired from America's Army and the Army Reserve as a Brigadier General. He was recalled from retirement immediately to serve an overseas tour in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He is currently stationed in Germany, and hopes to return to Salinas at the end of this tour.

Harry Wardwell, a life-long resident of Salinas, graduated from North Salinas High School and Hartnell College. Wardwell is Regional President for Rabobank, N.A.. Prior to banking, he spent over 25 years managing the family business. Wardwell is active in the community having served as President of the Salinas Chamber of Commerce, the Salinas Rotary Club, the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Governors and Executive Director for the California International Airshow. Wardwell has been a member of the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Board since 2000.

Secretary Lifelong resident of Monterey County she worked at Wells Fargo Bank and Valley National Bank before partnering with her husband in a men's clothing business and investment properties. She previously served as the California International Airshow President and on the Hartnell Colledge Foundation, Natividad Foundation, VNA and Cherry's Jubilee Boards.

Known for his leadership in the Salinas business community, Jim Gattis opened and operated two retail men's wear stores for 17 years. Currently working in the field of real estate investments, he is involved in the renovation of commerical real estate in downtown Salinas and is the past chairman of the Central City Authority. With first-hand experience as a Hartnell College graduate, Jim is the Past Vice Chairman of the Hartnell Foundation. He is a Founding Director and Past President of the California International Airshow and is the Past Secretary of the International Council of Airshows. He is also a Member and Past Director of the Salinas Rotary Club and a Director of First National Bank of the Central Coast.

Joan is currently Director of In-Flight Operations and Planning for Delta Air Lines at their corporate offices in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois with a Bachelors degree in Communications. She then received her MBA from Emory University's Goizuetta Business School in Georgia. She was recently appointed to Atlanta Women's Journal Magazine board. She is married to a Delta captain and resides in Atlanta as well as Salinas.

Mr. Alvarez has lived in Monterey County for more than 18 years. He is President and Managing Partner at Alvarez Technology Group, Inc. He relocated to the Salinas Valley after 10 years of active duty in the United States Air Force. He retired from the USAF reserves in 2003. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Salinas and a director of the Oldtown Association of Salinas.

My interest in volunteering at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital with my Dalmatian, "Mimi", became a reality in 2004, after I recovered from lower back surgery. I always knew that this gentle, outgoing, and obedient dog would be a great therapy dog, and she is! Together we are a happy team and we enjoy the visits and ministry very, very much. More importantly, so do the patients. The Pet Therapy program has nearly doubled since I joined and we are always looking for more members. I'm enjoying my second year as Coordinator of Patient Services.

Mr. Chavez has lived in Monterey County since 1983. He has an Associates of Art degree in Social Science and a Bachelors degree in Economics as well as having his teaching credentials. Mr. Chavez owns Chavez Bail Bonds. He is currently the Americanism chair on the Elks Lodge 614 board, is a member of Rotary International member, and the board president of Hartnell Western Stage.

Mr. DeSerpa is a partner in DeSerpa Associates, a real estate investment and development firm. A lifelong resident of Salinas, Mr. DeSerpa is an alumnus of both Salinas High School and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He has participated in The Leadership Salinas Valley program, is past president of The Markham Ranch Homeowner's Association and joined the SVMH Foundation Board of Governors in 2002.

President A Life-long active community member, she graduated from Cal Poly with as Bachelors degree in Home Economics. She was past president of the Valley Guild and the Entre Nous Society. She is a current board member of Spreckels School Foundation and Growers Ice Co. She has also served on the boards of the Public Rec Unlimited-Salinas Sports Complex and Notre Dame High School. Susan was on our Las Estrellas del Valle women's trail ride steering committee for many years.

Mr. Verga is a Director on the Board of Realtors and the State Director on the Board of Realtors. He has been the treasurer of the Monterey County History and Art Association. He is currently the Director of the Pacheco Club and on the Golf Activities committee of Monterey Peninsula Country Club.

I retired from Valdosta State University (Georgia) in June, 2005 after a 30-year career as Director of University Stores (bookstores, convenience stores, and computer shop). By August, 2005, my husband and I returned "home" to California to provide moral support to our parents who still live here in Salinas and in Fresno. I was a volunteer in the non-profit sector of higher education for more than 30 years; that incredible experience taught me that it is truly better to give than to receive. I have redirected my volunteer efforts to become a Patient Ambassador at SVMH where I visit directly with patients (and their families) to enhance an already caring and friendly medical environment. It's a privilege to serve on the Service League Board as Secretary so early in my affiliation with the hospital and hopefully continue the legacy of service given by so many others in our hospital. I encourage people in our community to join us in the Service League and our effort to support the mission of the best hospital in our area.

I joined the Service League in 2003 after retiring from Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital in Nursing Administration from 1961-1998. I currently chair the tours of the hospital and museum, and support Community Ed/Outreach events. I am a registered nurse and also volunteer as a Red Cross disaster volunteer. I enjoy contact with people I have a need to be doing something worthwhile with my time. I enjoy working with children and youth, and would enjoy working with Medical Adventure Camp.