Category: Sister Nancy Surma
Sister Nancy Surma
Sister Nancy Surma
When you think of the people who make health care happen, the likely people who come to mind are doctors and nurses. Perhaps after that lab technicians and therapists will pop up. Reflect a little further and you will think of support service personnel—housekeeping, dietary, billing and the like. But not-for-profit health care has a special group of people who rarely get the spotlight, but whose presence is indispensible. I refer to those persons who serve on the board of trustees.
Each of the regional ministries of Sylvania Franciscan Health has a board that is given the responsibility to act on behalf of the sponsors, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. Each board has the duty to ensure that the mission is faithfully followed. Core responsibilities are to:
• govern the organization by establishing broad policies and objectives;
• develop and approve the strategic plan;
• appoint, support and review the performance of the chief executive;
• ensure the availability of adequate financial resources;
• ensure high quality standards.
There are many board members within Sylvania Franciscan Health who freely give their time and expertise. I want to mention one who stands out for his years of dedication and the significant role he played. Steven L. Salman, JD, served on the system board since 1993. His legal background and expertise in insurance provided wise guidance to the leaders of Sylvania Franciscan Health all that time. No matter how thick the stack of material to read before the board meeting or how busy his schedule, Steve came prepared, with yellow highlights showing his attention to details. He asked insightful questions. He encouraged or challenged as appropriate. Just last month, Steve died after a short but well-fought battle with cancer. His legacy lives on in his family, the businesses he started and gratefully in Sylvania Franciscan Health. A good board member is a valuable person when it comes to Catholic health care.