CMH announces new member to hospital board

James Ashworth is a new member of the Citizens Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors.

James Ashworth is the newest member of the Citizens Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors. 

According to a news release sent this morning, Ashworth was elected to the board in the April 7 election, filling a position formerly held by longtime member Robin Sechler. Ashworth also will serve as board secretary, a role previously held by Sechler, who served on the board for 15 years. 

Since 2008, Ashworth has served as CEO and general manager of Bolivar-based Southwest Electric Cooperative, according to the release. He has worked for the cooperative for 36 years.  

 The new board position isn’t the first for Ashworth with CMH. He was appointed to the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation Board of Directors in June 2021 and has served on numerous committees and boards throughout the Bolivar area. 

“James has been a valuable member of the foundation board for nearly five years, and that experience will serve him well on the hospital board,” said Michael Calhoun, CEO and executive director of CMH and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, in the release. “He is passionate about serving our community, asks thoughtful questions and brings a strong perspective to board discussions.” 

Other members of the CMH District Board of Directors are Patrick Douglas, chairman; Dave Berry, vice chairman; Corey Rich, treasurer; Janieca Hancock; and John Kallenbach. Board members are elected to six-year terms.