Avem Health Partners, which manages Rural Wellness Stroud Hospital, announced last week that they appointed two new members to their board of directors.
Keith Walker, a retired lieutenant general with the U.S. Army, and Babara Holcomb, a retired major general with the U.S. Army, bring a combined 70 years of experience in the military, corporate, non-profit and healthcare spheres, according to a press release.
Walker served in the military for 38 years and worked from an armored calvary second lieutenant up to lieutenant general. He most recently served as the director of the U.S. Army Capabilities Integration Center.
There, he was responsible for developing concepts and requirements for Army equipment, training, leadership development and organizational design for the Army’s international operations.
He has also been a part of the faculty of Thayer Leadership, an organization at West Point offering leadership training and development programs to businesses, government agencies and nonprofits.
He has served on the board of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association and other corporate boards.
“I am pleased to join the board of such a dynamic and thoughtful organization like Avem Health Partners and look forward to working with its board members and staff to help strengthen the rural hospitals that are the backbone of the communities we serve,” said Walker.
Holcomb has been in the military for 33 years and was the 25th Chief of the Army Nurse Corps and Commanding General of the Medical Research and Material Command and Fort Detrick.
She advises medical technology companies that develop and commercialize innovative dual- use medical technologies that aim to improve health outcomes for military personnel, veterans and civilians through her company, Barb Holcomb Consulting.
In her role with Avem Health Partners as director of Clinical Services, she will oversee all clinical activities, including ancillary services such as laboratory, pharmacy, x-ray, physical and occupational therapy and nutrition care.
“As a leader with a nursing background, I’m excited to leverage my experience to drive the growth of this company and ensure that the rural hospitals we serve have the tools and resources they need to provide critical care to their communities,” said Holcomb.
“My passion throughout my career has been healthcare and leadership development, so joining the Avem Health Partners board was a perfect fit.”