Anne Tarrant, who has for years sat at the helm of the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District board, handed in her letter of resignation Monday citing plans to relocate.
She’s served as board president during a time of significant change for the hospital, including proposing a $50 million bond to build a new hospital wing and hiring a new chief executive officer.
The new hospital wing is now rising from the ground, and CEO Geri Forbes is filling administrative offices at the hospital with a new leadership team.
“I have been humbled to have served the residents of Whidbey Island to the best of my abilities,” she wrote in her letter. “I know that the district is well positioned for the future with WhidbeyHealth, our comprehensive healthcare system and a new building opening next year.”
Tarrant’s resignation is effective June 22. Her term runs through 2017.
The board is tasked with appointing someone to fill her spot from District 5, which extends south from the Deception Pass Bridge to the intersection of Crescent Harbor Road and Regatta Drive in Oak Harbor.
Tarrant got her start on the board as an appointment in 2008. Voters elected her twice and in 2011 her colleagues voted her board president.
She had never served in public office and her background was in business, not health care — an ever-changing, complex field.
A good portion of her time is still spent educating herself on relevant issues. That’s something she recommends for whomever fills her seat.
“I would caution them to learn before they act,” she said.
When she started, the district was beginning to acquire primary care clinics, which were struggling to survive independently.
Forbes, just one year into her role as CEO, has done a remarkable job, said Tarrant, especially in hiring a leadership team. One of those new hires, chief financial officer Ron Telles, has helped strengthen the district’s finances.
The district took a hit when it had to implement a federally-mandated electronic records system.
Tarrant is proud of the new wing under construction, which she described as a gift from the community to itself.
“It’s really hard to step away,” she said. “I really like the board I’m working with. They don’t come with personal agendas and everything is done with the best interests of the district.”
Tarrant served during a sometimes tumultuous period, when the board and hospital officials were criticized for the management of the hospital’s finances and lack of transparency, among other issues.
Perhaps the most vocal critic was retired attorney Rob Born of Greenbank, who became so disenchanted he started his own website where he posted investigative articles. He also made a point to attend virtually every board meeting and let the board know in person about his concerns.
Born ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the board last fall against Georgia Gardner.
“It was an education to me — the things that are said in the Internet world,” she said. “It was difficult not to take things personally.”
Ultimately, she said it was worth it, especially after she would hear stories from patients who had a positive experience.
“It’s a really great organization,” she said. “I want people to know that and feel confident when they come to us for service.”
Commissioners will begin accepting applications to fill her seat beginning in June. Candidates must live within District 5.
Interested parties should contact commissioner Ron Wallin at wghdistrict3@whidbeygen.org.
“I just wanted to thank Anne for all her leadership and support of me and my transition to my role as CEO of the hospital,” Forbes said. “I know the board will miss her deeply as well as myself and the rest of the executive team. We appreciate all her years of service.”
