Wasilla, Alaska—Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently added three new members to its board of directors. Dr. Mary Loeb, Benjamin Olmedo and Margaret “Marg” Volz began their board service in June. MSHF board members serve three-year terms, and each term may be renewed for up to two additional terms.

“Each new board member brings unique experiences and perspectives to the board,” said Linda Conover, MSHF board chair. “Mary, Ben and Marg join a board that is united in its commitment to improving health for Alaskans living in the Mat-Su, and we’re excited about the skills they bring.”

Dr. Mary Loeb worked at Sunshine Community Health Center in Talkeetna from 2003-2013. She was a board member of the Alaska Primary Care Association from 2006-2012 and was a founding member and chairperson of Sunshine Station Child Care Center from 2004-2008. Dr. Loeb also served as a U.S. Naval officer, a staff physician, and an assistant professor of family medicine. Following graduation with a doctor of medicine degree from Wake Forrest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., Dr. Loeb completed a family practice residency at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida. She earned master of public health and bachelor of science degrees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Benjamin Olmedo is a primary care physician assistant with Southcentral Foundation. He serves patients at the Chickaloon Village Health Clinic in Chickaloon and the Valley Native Primary Care Center in Wasilla. Olmedo is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, where he attained the rank of captain and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Naval Commendation Medal for contributions made during operations in Afghanistan. Olmedo graduated from Yale School of Medicine’s physician associate program in 2011with a master of medical science degree, and he earned a bachelor’s degree at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Marg Volz is a pediatric nurse practitioner who has been with Alaska CARES since 2006. Alaska CARES is a children’s advocacy center that provides sexual and physical abuse evaluations for children, newborn to age 18 years, and 24-hour on-call services for emergent cases. Volz has long been an advocate for our youngest individuals who need help. She was executive director/pediatric nurse practitioner/co-founder at The Children’s Place in Wasilla from 1999-2006. She has also worked at Matanuska Health Care Association, Mat-Su Borough School District, Valley Hospital, and St. Paul Children’s Hospital/Clinic in Minnesota. Volz graduated with an undergrad nursing degree from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Washington in Seattle.

In addition to selecting the three new board members, the MSHF Board of Directors elected officers for 2013/14. Linda Conover was re-elected as the board’s chair, Scott Johannes was re-elected as vice chair, and Andy Reimer was elected to a third term as secretary/treasurer.

About Mat-Su Health Foundation: Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital and protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution through board oversight. The MSHF invests its assets into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.