The leadership team at Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, and we believe that excellence begins with each of us. Our diverse backgrounds, collective professional experiences in the healthcare field, and our shared vision for achieving the highest level of quality, safety and patient-satisfaction, helps us to grow and support our team of nearly 600 caregivers.
Members of the leadership team are responsible for achieving the organization’s overall strategic goals for 2018-2022, which include:
We invite you to contact any member of the CMH leadership team if you have a question or concern.
Erik Thorsen has served as Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer since 2010, and has been part of CMH’s leadership since 2003 when he served as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Under Erik’s leadership, CMH has achieved and sustained the distinction of a Designated-Planetree Hospital.
“Working to improve the health and well-being for those living on Oregon’s North Coast region is a true privilege. I am honored to serve our community, as well as the caregivers at Columbia Memorial Hospital who are dedicated to the advancement of patient care, safety and quality.”
Nicole Williams joined CMH in April 2017 as the Director of Human Resources and Operational Development. She was named the organization’s Chief Operating Officer in Feb. 2018. In this role, she oversees day-to-day operations of the organization.
“I am grateful to be part of a healthcare organization that takes pride in the community and the services it provides.”
Zachary Schmitt joined Columbia Memorial Hospital in 2018 as the Chief Financial Officer.
Judy Geiger joined Columbia Memorial Hospital in January 2019. She has more than three decades of experience as a pediatric nurse and a nurse administrator, including serving as a chief nursing officer and executive director in a large hospital.
Jarrod Karnofski has been a valued leader holding various management positions at Columbia Memorial Hospital since 2009. In his role as Vice President of Ancillary & Support Services he is dedicated to setting and monitoring the strategic priorities of CMH.
“I am proud to work with caregivers who are dedicated to the mission of CMH and whose first priority is providing outstanding patient care.”
As a not-for-profit organization, Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) does not have shareholders. Rather it has stakeholders—people and groups that benefit from the hospital’s quality services. Our stakeholders include patients and their families, and people who live and work in the communities we serve, as well as our caregivers, healthcare providers, and other businesses.
The CMH Board of Trustees’ primary responsibility is to protect the interests of the hospital’s stakeholders. The CMH Board of Trustees consists of 15 dedicated volunteer community members. They set the vision and mission of the organization and work toward the shared goal of keeping our hospital viable, and ensuring the delivery of safe, quality healthcare services.
Constance Waisanen
Board President
Nancy McAllister
Board Treasurer
Mike Autio
Jean Danforth
Dave Nygaard
Mark Smith
Board Vice President
Heather Seppa
Immediate Past President
Kevin Baxter, DO
Doug Kaup
Dr. Robert Holland
Board Secretary
David Phillips
Quality Chair
Richard Crass, MD
Bill Landwehr
Bill Garvin
CMH Foundation President
Deaconess Greta Bernhardt
Katherine Hellberg
Trustee Emeritus
Served March 1982-May 2015
RAdm. Ed Nelson, Jr.
Past Trustee Emeritus
Served April 1991-March 2017
