January 20, 2006
Contact: Bev Pfeifer-Harms
Director of Communications
314.345.5500 office

MFH Announces Five Board Members, Elects Officers

St. Louis -Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) announces four new members to its Board of Directors, along with the re-election of a current member. Also, at its first meeting of the year on January 19, the MFH Board elected its 2006 officers. The 15-member MFH Board of Directors provides oversight of all Foundation activities and grant-making. Directors may serve a maximum of two three-year terms.

The four new board members are: Sandra Ahlum, MD, of Hannibal; Peter De Simone, of Jefferson City; Kimberly "Beth" Johnson, CFA, of University City; and Paul S. Lux, MD, of Ladue. Re-elected to his second term on the board is Steve M. Pu, DO, of Kennett.

"Each of these directors brings a passion for community service and to help improve the health of all Missourians," said Dr. James R. Kimmey, president and CEO of MFH. "We look forward to having their knowledge and individual expertise help guide the Foundation through the years to come."

The 2006 officers for the MFH Board of Directors are: Chairperson, Gertrude "Trudi" Scott, RN, MSN, CPNP, of Springfield; Vice Chairperson, Will R. Ross, MD, of St. Louis; Secretary, Rory Ellinger, JD, of O'Fallon; Treasurer, Steve M. Pu, DO, of Kennett; and Member-at-Large, Alberta C. Slavin, of St. Louis.

Additional information on the recently elected board members:

Dr. Sandra Ahlum, of Hannibal - An OB/GYN in private practice, Ahlum has served rural northeast Missouri for 23 years. She serves as chair of the Hannibal Clinic Health Services, which promotes health through education. Ahlum first came to Hannibal to fulfill an obligation with the National Health Service Corps to practice in a physician-shortage area. She is vice councilor for the Missouri State Medical Association and a board member of the Hannibal regional Hospital Physician Hospital Association, and also actively involved in the NE Missouri Community Health Assistance Resource Team Partnership, CHART Teen Task Force, and Families and Communities Together (Caring Communities).

Peter De Simone, of Jefferson City - As a former director of the Missouri Association for Social Welfare, De Simone has been involved with MFH since its beginning. He has served on the MFH's Community Advisory Committee (CAC) since 2000. CAC members are appointed by the Missouri Attorney General to advise the MFH Board about community perspectives and priorities related to health care issues in the state. De Simone brings a 40-year career in public service and the nonprofit world through his involvement with Missouri Association for Community Action, VISTA, United States Information Agency and the Peace Corps.

Kimberly "Beth" Johnson, CFA, of University City - Johnson is currently a senior consultant with Hammond Associates, advising clients on asset allocation, investments and strategies. Along with more than eight years of investment experience for endowments and foundations, she has a strong community commitment background. She currently volunteers with Junior Achievement, the Rape and Sexual Assault Center, Junior League, American Red Cross, and Therapy Animals Reaching Clients.

Dr. Paul S. Lux, of Ladue - A lifelong St. Louisan, Lux is a practicing orthopedic surgeon who previously served on the boards of two drug and alcohol treatment programs and Jewish Center for the Aged. He has pioneered several joint replacement techniques and spoken on orthopedic issues around the world. His involvement with Harris House and National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse has given him a greater understanding of residential treatment programs and people's access to them.

Dr. Steve M. Pu, of Kennett - A doctor of osteopathy, Pu currently is the medical director and a member of the Board of Trustees for Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center, which serves the Bootheel. He was first elected to the MFH board in 2002. As a healthcare provider for 21 years in one of the poorest areas of the state, Pu regularly deals with the problems faced by uninsured, underinsured and underserved Missourians. He currently also serves on the boards of SEMO Area Health Education Center and Missouri Physicians Mutual Insurance Co.

Established in 2000, MFH is the largest non-governmental funder of community health activities in the state. The Foundation is in its fourth year of grantmaking, having issued more than $148 million in grants and awards to date. It is dedicated to serving the uninsured and underserved in 84 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. For more information about MFH, visit www.mffh.org.

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