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 700 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 Planetree Gold-Certified 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.
Christopher Strear, MD, joined Columbia Memorial Hospital in 2021 as the chief medical officer.
Judy Geiger joined Columbia Memorial Hospital as the vice president of Patient Care Services 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.”
Chris Laman has worked at Columbia Memorial Hospital since 2006. He started as a staff pharmacist and was then promoted to Pharmacy manager, director of Pharmacy and Cancer Center Services, then vice president of Strategy in July 2021. In his role on the Executive Leadership Team, he keeps the organization focused on its vision and mission.
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.
Dr. Robert Holland
Board President
Bill Landwehr
Treasurer
Paul Haines
Nancy McAllister
Heather Seppa
Constance Waisanen
Immediate Past President
Dave Nygaard
Secretary
James Heilman, MD
Sheriff Matt Phillips
Mark Smith
Mike Autio
Board Vice President
Jean Danforth
Quality Chair
Doug Kaup
Camilo Rosales, MD
Bill Garvin
CMH Foundation President
Rev. Lori Blake, MDiv.
CMH Chaplain
David Phillips
Trustee Emeritus (deceased)
Served May 1981-August 2019
Katherine Hellberg
Trustee Emeritus
Served March 1982-May 2015
