JEFFERSON, Iowa – The Greene County Medical Center Foundation is saying goodbye to three long-time board members and welcoming four more. Director, Nancy Houska, expressed both gratitude and admiration for the service of Teresa Hagen, Al Robson and Scott Weber. “Each of these individuals has given so much of themselves to support our mission,” she said. “Their dedication has strengthened not only the Foundation, but the entire medical center.”
Hagen is known for her thoughtful approach to decision making and commitment to patient-centered initiatives. “Teresa brought incredible heart and steady leadership,” Houska said. “Her voice will be deeply missed.”
Robson provided experience rooted in decades of community involvement. “Al has always understood the importance of local healthcare,” said Houska. “He consistently brought perspective, wisdom and sincerity to the board.”
Weber, who personally recruited one of the new members, strengthened community partnerships and encouraged new leadership. “Scott has been a tremendous ambassador for the Foundation,” Houska added. “His belief in this organization will have a lasting impact.”
The slate of new board members brings a distinct mix of professional expertise, personal motivation and deep-seated commitment to local healthcare. Their stories reflect a common theme: a belief that strong rural communities depend on strong rural medical systems.
Commercial lender, Troy Ticknor, originally from Adel and now living in Panora with his wife Mary and their two young sons, says the invitation to join the board felt fated. “This year really put everything into perspective,” he explained. His father survived two major medical emergencies, a life-threatening infection following gallbladder surgery and later a 99.5% blockage in a major artery requiring open-heart surgery.
“The care was tremendous,” he said. “To see those professionals in action gives you a front-row seat to what they deal with every day.” Ticknor brings a banking background, community connections and a positive, team-driven approach to the board. “At the heart of their vision is taking care of patients,” he said. “Keeping people at the core of all we do is the most important thing.”
Britt Meythaler, a Fort Dodge native, fell in love with Jefferson when she and her husband, Dan, were looking for a small community to raise a family. The couple moved here in 2016 and are raising two young sons.
Meythaler brings both organizational strength and a background in health insurance to the board. Currently a loan processor at Heartland Bank, she said the invitation to join the board came at exactly the right time. “I’ve always wanted to expand on my volunteer work with Jefferson Matters,” she said. “This was a great opportunity to learn something new and get involved in a different part of the community.”
Meythaler describes herself as a strong listener and a collaborative team member. “I’m looking forward to learning more about the hospital as a whole,” she said. It’s such an important part of daily health in the community.” In addition, a personal connection as she watched her grandmother’s transition through levels of senior care, which makes her especially interested in the Foundation’s work with Ever Greene Ridge.
Incoming board member, Bill Monroe, has nearly six decades of healthcare experience. Having started in pharmacy at the age of 14, he said simply, “As I age, I realize how important LOCAL healthcare is to the community. I wanted to be a part of that.” His career has shaped a clear understanding of rural challenges. “The local pharmacist sees more people than other providers,” he noted. “We are a first line provider.”
In the 38 years he and his wife Martha have lived in Jefferson, Monroe has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including the Greene County Community Foundation the Bell Tower Foundation, Kiwanis, the Children’s Center and the First Presbyterian Church. Monroe says he will bring outside-of-the-box thinking and experience in problem solving to the Foundation’s strategic work.
CPA, Ross Martens, who moved to Jefferson after marrying his wife Mariah, later purchased Leo’s Tax Service. He said joining the board felt like a natural next step in becoming part of the community.
“Having the hospital in town is a huge community benefit,” he said. “Being able to help keep that service here, that’s important.” While he hasn’t needed much medical care himself, he sees value in coming in with fresh eyes. And as one of the younger members of the board, he said, “Different generations grew up differently. I think it’s great to have a mix of perspectives.”
Martens also brings analytical and organizational strengths from his tax and accounting work, as well as a strong interest in community engagement. “Martens & Associates has transformed my communication skills,” he said. Outside of work, he is passionate about golf, outdoor activities and his church’s children’s ministry.
Though their paths differ, each new board member points toward the same mission: strengthening Greene County Medical Center and ensuring quality care remains accessible close to home. All of them share an excitement to be working with a respected Foundation and those who care deeply about their communities.