At its September annual meeting, the Superior Health Foundation elected its executive team leadership for the next year.
Sara Giles was elected president of the board of directors, David Jahn was elected vice-president and Kara Katona continues as secretary/treasurer.
Giles, who serves as marketing director for Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital inManistique, had previously served a year as vice president. She succeeds Dan Arnold MD, who after a 19-year run on the board of directors, left with his term expiring.
Giles said she looks forward to the year ahead for the Superior Health Foundation. “Serving on the Superior Health Foundation board has opened my eyes to the varied health disparities experienced across the Upper Peninsula,” Giles said. “Many of our residents are facing challenges and barriers when trying to access health care and vital resources such as food, housing and mental health services.
“Despite the issues,” she added, “our communities are resilient and creative in developing solutions to serve people and solve local problems. The foundation brings me hope as I have witnessed countless organizations benefit from the grants we have distributed. The impact is immeasurable. This foundation is changing lives and will continue to do so for years to come. Our board of directors play a key role in oversight, event planning and decision-making while working closely with the incredible staff at the Superior Health Foundation.”
She added that the partnerships that SHF has established over the years have played a defining role in its evolution.
“As board president, I feel pride in knowing that our board is committed to fulfilling our mission of building healthier and stronger communities together,” she said. “It is my hope that non-profits across the Upper Peninsula will know about our granting opportunities and choose to partner with us to make healthy waves of change in the communities they serve.”
Jahn is a retired hospital administrator, having served 40 years as CEO at both Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and War Memorial Hospital.
Katona, CPA is a managing partner with Makela, Toutant, Hill, Nardi & Katona, P.C.
The Superior Health Foundation board of directors is comprised of leaders representative of the entire Upper Peninsula. The board currently has 12 directors.