At its meeting on Tuesday, June 24, the board of the Upper San Juan Health Service District, which oversees Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC), appointed Matt Mees to fill the board vacancy.
Mees fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Kathy Campbell.
Following Campbell’s resignation, the board opted to have board members Kate Alfred and Mark Floyd serve as the Ad Hoc Search Committee to interview interested candidates and make a recommendation for appointment to the board.
The committee then made a report to the board, which was included as part of the appointment resolution, recommending Mees.
“The Board Ad Hoc Search Committee reports that applicant Matt Mees brings relevant experience and knowledge that would allow him to seamlessly and effectively fill the current vacancy on the Board of Directors,” the report states before delving into Mees’ qualifications.
Among the qualifications listed are that Mees is a longstanding resident of Pagosa Springs and a local developer who previously served on the board from May 2016 through April 2023, including serving as chair and vice chair.
“Mr. Mees has a developed and clear understanding of the complexities of healthcare finance, PSMC operations, and strategic challenges,” it states.
The report further notes, “For more than a decade, Mr. Mees has volunteered consistently in support of PSMC’s facility projects—at times attending daily meetings and regularly devoting time each week.”
It adds that his contributions “have included involvement in the planning and execution: of the following:
• Construction of the outpatient clinic wing, registration area and parking lot.
• Renovation and replacement of HVAC systems serving surgery and pharmacy/oncology.
• Installation of the MRI modular building and equipment.
• Renovation of the Medical Wellness Building.
• Construction of the oxygen generation building.
• Ongoing staff-led renovation projects.
During the meeting, Alfred noted that the committee members independently chose the same candidate, with Floyd highlighting Mees’ longtime involvement with the boards and committees.
He noted the district is going to be facing a lot of challenges over the next two to four years, and it will be helpful to have somebody with experience.
Board member Wayne Hooper offered a motion to appoint Mees, with the motion passing unanimously.
Mees will serve until the next regular election for the seat, which will be May of 2027.
Board member Ashley Wilson asked how many candidates applied, with Alfred stating four applied, but that the district needed experience.
PSMC CEO Dr. Rhonda Webb also highlighted Mees’ work on the facilities committee.
Following his appointment, Mees took his oath and joined the board for the remainder of the meeting.
Later in the meeting, the board revisited its board officer roles for the next two years after delaying choosing a vice chair and treasurer the previous month in order to fill the vacancy.
Board member Gwen Taylor offered a motion for Mees to serve as vice chair and Floyd to continue as treasurer, which was approved unanimously.
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