CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center’s Board of Directors held their annual meeting on Tuesday, January 9 in the Chan Center at the hospital. During the meeting the board recognized outgoing board members Doug Plourde and Mike Quinlan. Both Plourde and Quinlan served on the board from 2015–23. Plourde served as chair of the board from 2018–23.
Incoming Chair Kevin Barnes presented both Plourde and Quinlan with parting gifts, a large print featuring a collage of Cary Medical Center designed by Maine artist John Hafford. For his service as board chair, Plourde also received a Crystal Decanter with glasses engraved with the Cary logo. Plourde, in remarks to the board, said that his time as a board member and his years as the board chair were rewarding and challenging.
“I have really enjoyed my experience as a board member and as board chair,” said Plourde who will now serve on the board’s executive committee as immediate past chair. “Getting to know just what an impact Cary has on this community and the complexity of hospital operations was a great learning experience for me. I have come to appreciate the work of the leadership of the hospital and the outstanding performance of the hospital staff. These past few years have been quite a challenge with the pandemic but the culture and collaboration that is such a part of this organization helped get us through and continue to thrive.”
Quinlan echoed Plourde’s comments and made reference to the collegial nature of the hospital board.
“There is a lot to learn as a board member,” said Quinlan, a local CPA. “But beyond the technical aspects and reviewing hospital operations it has been great to get to know other board members and develop friendships. That has been a very meaningful part of my experience.”
Kris Doody, RN and Cary CEO praised both retiring board members and the contributions they have made during their service.
“Having someone like Mike Quinlan, with his accounting experience has been a real benefit to the board and we so much appreciate his service,” said Doody who also serves as CEO for Pines Health Services. “Our board members bring unique skills and perspectives to their work which strengthens our ability to cope with challenges as well as to identify and capture new opportunities.”
In speaking about outgoing board chair Plourde, Doody said that his term on the board represents only a part of his service to Cary Medical Center.
“Doug has been involved with Cary Medical Center for more than 30 years,” said the hospital CEO. “He served with the Caribou Hospital District for many years and he has been a member of Pines Health Services Board of Directors. His commitment to both organizations has been outstanding.” Doody went on to praise Plourde’s work during hospital surveys and in particular his interviews during accreditation surveys with the Joint Commission.
“During our tri-annual accreditation surveys, members of the survey team sit down with hospital leadership, including the Chairman of the Board,” said Doody. “Doug did an excellent job addressing issues from the functioning of the board to the hospital’s strategic planning process. His knowledge and candor impressed the surveyors and helped to get us great marks on the hospital leadership elements of the Joint Commission Survey.”
In other business the board elected officers for the coming two year term, Kevin Barnes as chair, Jane McCall vice chair, Chris Bell finance and personnel committee chair, Doody secretary and Chelsea Desrosiers treasurer. New board members Clara Collins and Meagan Thompson were also introduced.
