Board of Directors
Guiding Bates County Memorial Hospital to Better Health for Our Community
The Board of Directors of Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) is dedicated to serving the residents of Bates County by keeping quality healthcare local. Established in 1960, BCMH is a 60-bed community hospital, governed by five board members who are elected by the people of Bates County. Each board member serves a five-year term and can be re-elected for additional terms. As unpaid volunteers, our board members are committed to ensuring the hospital’s mission of providing excellent, accessible care to all.
Jerry Jones, Chairman
“Having worked in health care my entire career, I thought I could bring knowledge to the table. Instead, I discovered I was just starting my education. While it is a challenge to keep health care local today, it has been my honor to work alongside past and present board members who share the dedication and desire to bring BCMH to where it is today. We have high-quality doctors, employees and medical services that are unmatched by many larger communities. BCMH is part of what makes Bates County such a great place to live!”
Linda Jennings, Vice Chairman
“After working more than 25 years as a medical/surgical nurse, I retired from BCMH in 2011. Shortly after that, I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board, then ran for the position in 2014. As a former employee, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the board. The decisions we make affect everyone – residents, employees and physicians. BCMH is a vital part of our community because we provide services to our residents so they don’t need to travel to the city for their care or tests. That keeps revenues local and helps the hospital continue to serve as one of the largest employers in the area.”
Rick King, Treasurer
“I am a life-long resident of Butler and joined the board to serve the people of Bates County. I want to keep health care local, independent, professional, as affordable as possible, and to maintain a great employer in Bates County. Though it is a challenge to comply with government regulations and the impact those regulations have on our income, access to quality health care is important for the health of our residents and the growth of the area. The hospital provides added services through support groups and education.”
Jim Shade
“My goal and the shared goal of the Hospital Board and its management is to IMPROVE LIVES. We need each other to succeed so we hold ourselves and each other accountable. We nurture a supportive environment, and find strength in our togetherness. I am proud to help provide exceptional health care to the people of Bates County. We do more than expected because we care more than expected!”
In Memory of Mike Taranto, who served on the Board of Directors from 2016-2024 and made significant contributions to our community.
Michael P. Taranto
“As local resident, when my wife and I utilized the health care services provided at BCMH, we quickly realized what a tremendous facility we all have with BCMH. When an opportunity came to contribute my business experiences and involvement with local community-focused organizations to the BCMH Board, I decided to ask the community to consider me for the open Board position. My 40+ years of management experience has consistently focused on strategic planning, quality assurance and customer satisfaction. Thank you to all who helped me have the opportunity to participate in strengthening our valued health care facility.”
Our Responsibilities
As elected representatives of the Bates County community, our Board of Directors carries the responsibility for overseeing the hospital’s operations, ensuring patient care quality, financial integrity, and compliance with all regulatory requirements. We are dedicated to maintaining the trust placed in us by the community, and we hold ourselves accountable for the following key areas:
- Patient Care Quality & Safety: We ensure that patient care meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
- Financial Oversight: We monitor the hospital’s financial health and sustainability, ensuring prudent stewardship of resources.
- Service Evaluation & Development: We regularly assess hospital services to meet the evolving needs of our community.
- Credentialing & Medical Staff Oversight: We are responsible for the credentialing of medical staff, ensuring that qualified healthcare providers are part of the BCMH team.
Our Role
The primary role of the Board of Directors is to provide strategic leadership, oversight, and governance. Our responsibilities include:
- Long-Term Planning and Strategy: Setting the direction for the hospital’s future and ensuring it remains a vital community resource.
- Financial and Legal Oversight: Monitoring the financial health of the hospital and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
- Executive Oversight: Evaluating and supporting the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and ensuring the effective management of the hospital.
On a day-to-day basis, the Board delegates operational decisions to the CEO and hospital management team, allowing us to focus on long-term priorities that will keep BCMH thriving in the future.
Board Committees & Education
In addition to our monthly meetings, Board members serve on specialized committees that focus on specific aspects of hospital operations. These committees meet as needed to discuss issues and make recommendations.
We also participate in ongoing education and training to stay informed about the latest trends in healthcare governance and the challenges facing hospitals nationwide. This ensures that we are equipped to make well-informed decisions that benefit both the hospital and the community we serve.
Our Commitment
The issues before the Board are complex and ever-evolving, especially in the face of changing healthcare regulations and industry trends. Our members approach every decision with the best interests of both the hospital and the community in mind. We take pride in our work as public servants, committed to improving the health and well-being of Bates County.