The Gunnison Valley Health Foundation is overseen by a board of community
members who volunteer their time and expertise to help develop, preserve
and provide financial resources to Gunnison Valley Health.
Jenny BirnieExecutive Director FoundationCommunity Well-Being Liasion
I am deeply committed to the health and well being of our community. At
the time, I was winding down on direct medical care and saw this as a
great opportunity to serve. As someone told me years ago, “I am
hardwired to serve.”
Why have you chosen to serve on the Board for such a long period of time?
Our health system is one of the foundational elements of our community
and serves all health care needs. We truly are a premiere health care
system regardless of our size. Helping Gunnison Valley Health serve it
constituencies beings great satisfaction to me.
What are your hopes for the future of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation?
I would like the Foundation to build a sufficient endowment that will fund
all community health needs without limitation. I would also like to see
our Foundation be the nonprofit of choice for generous people in our community.
Meet Longtime Foundation Board Member Marla Covey
How long have you been on the Board?
10 years
Why did you join the Foundation Board?
I was very involved with the development of the Health Fair in Crested
Butte and joining the Foundation Board was an extension of this work.
Quality health care is crucial for our community and I want to do anything
I can to support our health system.
Why have you chosen to serve on the Board for such a long period of time?
The mission of the Foundation is to support the delivery of high quality
health care in the Gunnison Valley and this is something I am very passionate
about. I was injured during an explosion at a bank in Crested Butte many
years ago and learned the value of our health system and the incredible
care provided at the hospital and through EMS. I decided that I needed
to give back for the outstanding care that was provided to all of us.
Currently, there is a lot going on at GVH and it is an exciting time to
serve on both boards (Board of Trustees and Foundation Board)—I
provide stability and historical knowledge and am proud of our many accomplishments.
What are your hopes for the future of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation?
I would like to see the Foundation create a greater understanding in the
community about our critical role and generate more financial support
for our many programs and services. It is easy to take a health system
for granted until they are needed the most. Thankfully, GVH offers comprehensive
and progressive health care which is truly remarkable for our rural community.
Get to Know Alisa Corey
How long have you been on the Board?
5 years
Why did you join the Foundation Board?
I believe our health system is the most valuable asset to our community.
I was actually born in the Gunnison hospital! My son was also born at
the hospital and it was the most amazing experience. Everyone was wonderful
and so committed to taking care of me. You receive a very personal service
where you are cared for in any department at GVH.
Why have you chosen to serve on the Board for such a long period of time?
I really enjoy working with all of the individuals that I serve with. We
each bring a different perspective and everyone’s thoughts and opinions
are heard-I feel like my ideas and opinions are heard and appreciated.
Rob Santilli, our CEO is incredible enthusiastic and passionate-it is
inspiring and invigorating to be with him. I am honored to be involved
and help foster the growth of our health system.
What are your hopes for the future of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation?
Growing up in Gunnison, I have seen such a remarkable transformation at
Gunnison Valley Health. I would like to be part of the future advancement
of all GVH program and services that meet the needs of all community members.
Get to Know Sarah Otero
How long have you been on the Board?
1 year
Why did you join the Foundation Board?
I was looking for a way to get involved in the community and contribute
my time and skills to something that is good for the entire community.
A friend approached me about the GVH Foundation Board and I thought—what
better way to get involved than through our local health system?
Why have you chosen to serve on the Board for such a long period of time?
Gunnison Valley Health is an award winning rural health system that provides
so many incredible services for our community. I want to do everything
I can to make it stronger and sustainable for many generations to come.
I love working with the Foundation Board members—it is a deeply
committed group of people and it is a pleasure working closely with all of them.
What are your hopes for the future of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation?
We are in the process of kicking off a capital campaign for a new EMS station
for our paramedic services and I plan to have active involvement with
this effort. Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics serve the largest response
zone in the State of Colorado—4,400 square miles. 911 call volume
has more than doubled from 600 calls a year to approximately 1500 calls
a year due to increased population and tourism in the region. I would
also like to see more mobile health visits available to the veterans of
our community.
Get to know Cathy Steinberger
How long have you been on the Board?
I have served on the board since the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation
(GVHF) started in 2009.
Why did you join the Foundation Board?
A close friend on the Board encouraged me to join the GVHF Board and I
saw an opportunity to make difference for our Community. I've never looked back.
Why have you chosen to serve on the Board for such a long period of time?
Our Board shares comradery and a mutual goal of doing the hard work involved
and I've seen how changes we've made has bettered the lives of the greater
Gunnison Valley in big and small ways like the completion of the new Senior
Care Center, assisting staff with Nursing Scholarships, funding needed
medical equipment helping to build our new Behavioral health Department.
What are your hopes for the future of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation?
I see GVHF support future capital campaigns like the "Seconds Save
Lives" campaign which will give our EMS/Paramedics a new facility
that houses all emergency equipment and personnel in a modern, easy access
facility which will allow for faster response time to emergencies.
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