Health Foundation Seeks Diversity of Skills, Integrity in Board Applicants
St. Louis, June 30 - The Missouri Foundation for Health is looking for a few good people - with a variety of skills and backgrounds - to fill vacancies created on its board when five directors' terms expire in November.
According to Peter De Simone, interim chairman of the Foundation's Community Advisory Committee that is charged with nominating new board members, "The Board must represent the Foundation's region - 84 eastern and southern Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis - in terms of gender, race, culture, geography and ethnic diversity."
The Missouri Foundation for Health is the largest health care foundation in the state. Its 15-member board of directors is charged with managing assets in excess of $940 million and with developing programs to address the unmet health care needs in its region. It was established in 2000 as part of a settlement of claims against Blue Cross and Blue Shield by the Missouri Attorney General and the Missouri Department of Insurance, specifically related to the for-profit conversion of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri and its assets.
De Simone said that in addition to being 18 years old and a resident of the service area, directors should have expertise, education or experience as a health care provider or asset manager and investment strategist, or have been involved in philanthropic administration or public health care. Those with experience involving a community organization with healthcare priorities are also encouraged to apply.
"We're looking for candidates who can bring perspective in one or more areas such as health care access and affordable care for the poor and uninsured; health promotion in underserved communities; health care quality and outcome improvement; health care needs of women, children, the elderly, low income, ethnic and cultural minorities; health education or general issues of public health," he said.
Leadership attributes and a recognized reputation for integrity and competence are very important, De Simone said. "This board serves without pay, but they have a major responsibility to manage the Foundation's considerable assets wisely."
Directors meet monthly, usually in St. Louis, and board committees meet as needed, frequently by telephone conference call. "This is a working board, not an honorary position," said De Simone, "but I believe the 15 people who have served for the past two years would agree that it has been a rewarding experience."
Board terms are for three years, and incumbent directors are eligible for re-nomination for one additional three-year term. All applications will be reviewed by the Community Advisory Committee, which will select candidates and conduct personal interviews before presenting a list of 15 to 25 candidates to the board for final selection.
Interested persons should phone the Foundation at 314.345.5506 or send a letter to the Community Advisory Committee, Missouri Foundation for Health, Grand Central Building, Suite 400, 1000 St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis, MO 63103, requesting an application. In return, they will receive an application that must be completed and submitted with a resume for screening by the 13-member Community Advisory Committee by Friday, August 22, 2003. Applicants may also visit the Foundation's Web site at www.mffh.org for information and an application.
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