From left are new Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees officers, Secretary-Treasurer Jeremiah Garcia, Vice Chairman Pam Archibald, and Chairman Charles Kelly. (Courtesy Photo)

The Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees met Friday, Jan. 23, 2015.

The Nominating Committee, made up of members Freddie Rodriguez, Joe Ramirez and Pam Archibald gave their annual report concerning the slate of officers. Their recommendation was to retain Charles Kelly as Chairman, Pam Archibald as Vice Chairman and Jeremiah Garcia as Secretary-Treasurer. The slate was approved and officers confirmed by a unanimous vote.

Other noteworthy items of interest include the recognition of five employees for their years of service to the organization. Recognized were Priscilla Baldwin, who has worked for 30 years; Amedeo Ferruccio, with 15 years; Lillian Galindo, who has 20 years; Rene Carbajal for 35 years; Dara Ann Foster for 15 years with the organization.

A consent agenda was approved as well as the approval of the Open Meetings Act resolution, which is discussed and voted on annually.

Reports made at the January 23 Board meeting, trustees learned:

• The GRMC Auxiliary is in need of new volunteers, a recruitment effort will begin over the next month.
• CEO, Brian Cunningham noted that the recent Board retreat was very successful and energized the leadership team. Charlie Kelly, Board Chair said they also felt it was very successful.
• The recent transition to Innova, the emergency department medical provider, is going very well.
• Chief of Clinical Services Ray Goellner reported that negotiations are underway for a new fluoroscopy unit in the Imaging Department. The equipment cost will range between $350,000 and $375,000.

Chief Financial Officer Omaira Heakin reported a loss in December of $63,000, compared to the loss the previous December 2013 of more than $300,000. She also reported that days of cash on hand are at 149.7.

"December is normally a challenging month, with the holidays and providers on vacation," Cunningham said. "It was the first month of this fiscal year showing a negative balance. We could have allocated funds from our reservesto cover this loss on paper, but we wanted the Board to have a true reflection of our numbers."

"We all appreciate knowing exactly what is going on," Kelly said.

The Finance Committee had several items for consideration and approval. All were agreements between GRMC and the named personnel.

• A family practice provider employment agreement with John Stanley, MD, was approved, as was an employment agreement with Cynthia Moreno, CNP, for the hospital-owned soon-to be opened Gila Family Medicine. .
• A family practice building lease agreement, which will house the new practice, was approved.

The board members then went into executive session for their annual review of the CEO's performance and possible action. Upon returning to open session a motion was made by the newly elected Secretary-Treasurer, Jeremiah Garcia to increase the CEO's salary from $190,000. per year to $ 257,500 per year in order to bring his compensation to close to the mid-range of the current market. A vote was taken and passed unanimously.

"In order to create alignment with our current salary polices we have approved a salary increase for Mr. Cunningham," Kelly stated. "We have been working on our employee compensations to pay all employees equitable wages for the work they perform. Currently Brian is the only employee whose salary falls well below market salary range. The Board of Trustees reviewed national compensation studies in determining his salary. This move will compensate him in a manner consistent with CEO's at similar size facilities. Brian has done a phenomenal job during the past year and a half. The Board is confident in the direction we are headed and is pleased to be a part of building the best rural hospital in the country." Kelly added.