BOARD CHAIR REPORT – May 2025
May 9, 2025Leer en español
Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
Last week, John Hennelly stepped down from his role as CEO of Sonoma Valley Hospital. During his tenure, John laid a strong foundation for the hospital, overseeing significant initiatives such as the launch of MyChart, our new electronic medical record system, the expansion of our physical therapy program on Highway 12, and enhancements to ICU services. Under his leadership, SVH earned recognition from the Lown Institute for three consecutive years for excellence in outcomes, value, and equity. During his four years with SVH, John cultivated a team of skilled leaders at the hospital, ensuring a smooth transition to a new CEO in the coming months.
Ben Armfield, Chief Financial Officer, has been named Interim CEO. Ben’s steady leadership ensures we are well positioned to continue to deliver the highest level of care to our patients during this period of change.
1206(b) Physician Clinic Annual Report
Dawn Kuwahara, RN, Chief Ancillary Officer, presented the annual report for our 1206(b) Physician Clinic, which includes both a Physician Clinic and a Surgeon’s Clinic. These clinics serve approximately 4,000 members of our community and have seen steady growth in patient volumes. Recently, the clinic adopted the “4M Framework” of the Age-Friendly Health System—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. This framework, already in use in the Hospital, is now being extended to outpatient services. The 1206(b) Physician Clinic remains a key asset in our care delivery model, and a new advisory committee of experts is being formed to help guide sustainability and growth.
Capital Investments and Financial Update
Ben Armfield, Chief Financial Officer presented two important capital investment requests to the Board: one to replace an aging HVAC system and another to complete the ICU Renovation. Both projects were approved, underscoring the importance of continued investment in maintaining the hospital’s infrastructure to support our growing community.
While March’s financial results fell short of budget expectations, the hospital continued to perform solidly across most service lines. The unfavorable budget variance was primarily driven by higher-than-expected expenses, particularly in employee benefits and supply costs. However, overall revenues exceeded budget, and patient volumes remain strong.
Committee Updates and Acknowledgments
The Board approved a revised Investment Policy and welcomed Dr. Alex Alexandridis to the Finance Committee. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mishra for his years of service on the committee and wish him the best as he departs.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
SVH enters this new chapter with confidence and momentum. Our organization is well-prepared to advance its mission and strategic plan, supported by a resilient team, strong community ties, and a clear vision for the future. This moment of transition provides an opportunity to continue our mission of “Healing Here at Home” while meeting the evolving needs of our community.
Delivering healthcare truly takes a village, and we encourage all community members to stay engaged. Join us for upcoming meetings or participate via Zoom. Our next Board meeting will be on Thursday, June 5th. Board meeting updates and agendas will be available on our website as the date approaches.
For those unable to attend, a video recording of the May meeting is available here. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a healthier future for Sonoma Valley.
Warm regards,
Wendy Lee Myatt
Board Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District
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