BCMH Board Member Spotlight: Linda Jennings
The board of directors of Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) provide a significant service to our hospital and community. This month, BCMH recognizes Linda Jennings, who has served as a board member since 2012, and currently serves as vice chairman.
After retiring from her career as a nurse with BCMH for 25 years, Linda was asked to fill a vacancy on the hospital’s board of directors.
“As a former employee, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the board,” Linda said. “The decisions we make affect everyone – patients, employees and physicians. BCMH is a vital part of our community because we provide services to our patients 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.”
Linda was born and raised on a farm west of Adrian and graduated from Adrian High School. She began her post-high school education with a CNA degree, working at a nursing home as well as BCMH the summer after she graduated. She went on to complete a CMA-C degree, and over the years she worked in several local doctors’ offices and Bates County Health Department clinics. After receiving her EMT-A, she began working at BCMH and was encouraged to return to nursing school. Linda graduated from Penn Valley Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. When she retired from BCMH in 2011, she worked with Crystal Manor for eight years, keeping the assisted living facility and residents Medicare-compliant.
“I truly loved my time at BCMH and feel compelled to give back to my medical family. We work hard to care for our families and friends here at home and I want to make this the best place we can,” Linda stated.
As elected officials, BCMH board members serve five-year terms, and oversee such matters as making strategic decisions for the hospital, hiring and monitoring an effective CEO, ensuring the hospital is providing quality care, overseeing the hospital’s financial well-being, staying educated in healthcare industry news and best practices, and being a representative of the hospital in the community. They delegate the responsibilities for the hospital’s day-to-day operations and decision making to the chief executive officer and the hospital’s management team.
The hospital medical staff, employees and volunteers thank Linda Jennings for her service.