Erika Spencer-Singson
Board Chair
Erika Spencer-Singson
Erika is a classically trained chef, new to the wine role she has worked at Kelley & Young since 2019. Erika lives here in Cloverdale with her two young children and they love to explore nature, farmers markets and go on visits to the beach.
Why do you support AVH?
“I support Alexander Valley Healthcare to help bring broader access to their incredible services here in our community, and beyond, and help foster and implement the incredible vision they have.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“Easier access to care for all- creating a healthy, flourishing community.”
Robert Freelen
Board Vice-Chair
Robert Freelen
Bob is a retired VP of Public Affairs at Stanford University. He lives in Cloverdale with his wife, Sally. Their three adult children have produced five grand-daughters and they are the source of their most fun
times.
Why do you support AVH?
“I support AVH’s plan for a new wellness center which will modernize facilities and broaden the care
for our communities.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“Many small communities do not have adequate healthcare. Our plan for a wellness
Center will elevate care for everyone in the AVH service area.”
Jeff Meier
Secretary
Jeff Meier
Jeff was an electric crew foreman for PG&E for 25 years. Jeff was in charge of large projects such as replacing overhead powerlines with underground cable in Rohnert Park, installing electricity for new businesses in Santa Rosa and coordinating with PG&E operations. Jeff lives in Cloverdale and supports his disabled adult son.
Why do you support AVH?
As the primary caregiver for my son, I became involved in the Behavioral Health Services in Sonoma County. I joined the AVH board to promote and support a more efficient Behavioral Health Program.
Deborah Grizzard, RN, MN
Board Member
Debbie Grizzard
Debbie is a retired Nurse and administrator of Ambulatory Care. She now lives in delightful Northern California. She is active in outdoor activities and enjoys cooking, and creative pursuits.
Why do you support AVH?
“I stay abreast of healthcare policy. I am a strong advocate for quality patient care.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“Attracting more state-of-the-art services, completion of new comprehensive facility and promoting health in a diverse community.”
James Berry
Board Member
James Berry
James and his wife, Gina, are raising their three children, Sasha, Emersyn and Lucas in Cloverdale. James provides advisory services and employee benefit consulting services as principal owner of Berry Financial & Insurance Solutions and attended college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. James enjoys cycling, cooking, camping, and coaching high school and youth sports.
Why do you support AVH?
“Alexander Valley is the only healthcare provider within a radius of 17 miles and is striving to improve health, dental, and mental health services. I feel an obligation to support an organization that serves ALL who need healthcare and may walk through the doors of the clinic in our rural community. The community needs to continue to raise the bar for accessibility to quality care with cultural sensitivity and providing for socioeconomic growth. I want to make an impact to this noble mission as me and my family have been patients of the Rural Health and FQHC healthcare systems most of my life.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“A symbol of a thriving community exemplifying interconnectedness and well-being.”
Chuck Levine
Board Member
Chuck Levine
Chuck is a Retired Registered Nurse CDE. He has lived in Cloverdale for four years.
Why do you support AVH?
“I support affordable health care for all.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“To expand health services in the Alexander Valley to include but not be limited to pharmacy, radiology, mental health, and urgent care!”
James Novak, MD
Board Member
James Novak
James attended USF and the University of Oregon Medical School. He grew up and practiced Family Medicine in Klamath Falls, Oregon. After practicing 40 years and teaching in the OHSU residency, he retired and moved to Cloverdale, to be closer to his two sons and to avoid shoveling snow. James and his wife Marilynn enjoy traveling in their motorhome to discover new places.
Why do you support AVH?
“I believe in accessible health care for all, and realize the importance of a healthy citizenry.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“To have a multipurpose health care facility that meets the needs of the people in our area.”
Lori A. Petersen
Board Member
Lori A. Petersen
Lori has an extensive career in public and private accounting and owns her own local small business. Lori has lived in Cloverdale for 24 years. She is an avid traveler, a proud veteran mama and an adoring gramma.
Why do you support AVH?
There is a great need for quality healthcare, especially in Northern Sonoma County. It’s important to support such a necessary and beneficial mission. It is exciting to be part of something that really matters and is of great benefit to every citizen. It’s rare to see such inclusivity and commitment, and to have an opportunity to be part of the change you want to see.
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
To have a local facility where all are welcome and supported and to expand the services and availability of quality care for all ages and means.
Mark Thayer
Board Member
Mark Thayer
Mark Thayer retired to Cloverdale in 2000 after a 35-year career in Journalism with The Associated Press and Reuters news services. He became involved with the Home Owners Association and served on the Communications Committee and as chair of the board of directors in 2006. Surprised at the lack of primary care providers in private practice in Cloverdale, Thayer became involved with Alexander Valley Healthcare in 2008, joining the Board of Directors and becoming chairman starting in 2009 for five years. He also served on the Geyserville Chamber of Commerce board and was founding president of the Geyserville Community Foundation. With his wife, Jean, they travel frequently with road trips in the U.S. and abroad.
Why do you support AVH?
“I was shocked that none of the physicians in private practice were accepting new patients when we moved to Cloverdale. By 2003 those three had closed their practice, leaving AVH as the last source for primary care. Quality healthcare in the community is essential for everyone whether a patient or not. That was evident when AVH set up a site for Covid-19 vaccines open to all whether a client or not. That’s what a community health center does as it performs patient care as well as community care.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“I hope to see Urgent Care available seven days a week and specialists with regular hours so patients don’t have to leave town for such things as podiatry, dermatology, cardiology, etc.”
Joseph Wiedman
Board Member
Joseph Wiedman
Joseph is a lawyer in private practice focusing on renewable energy policy. He lives in Cloverdale with his husband and spends his free time gardening.
Why do you support AVH?
“I am honored to serve on the AVH Board because AVH provides access to critical health services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Chris Swartz
Board Member
Chris Swartz
Board of Governors
Tony Bugica
Atlas Vineyard Management
Tony Bugica
Once upon a time Tony thought he wanted to be a doctor. Lo and behold he ended up playing in the dirt! Tony grew up in Nevada sowing beans as a child in his sand box. Now he is Vice President of Operations at Atlas Vineyard Management. He oversees operations of around 8000 acres in 4 states. California, Oregon, Washington, and Texas. He resides in Cloverdale. His wife Monica is in real estate, his daughter Morgan and son Mateo are also in the wine industry, and his little one, Prima is going in the 3rd grade.
Why do you support AVH?
“I am very excited to be a part of Alexander Valley Healthcare and hope to bring my experience in management and business development to the table. I support this because I believe in having healthcare readily available to all folks no matter what.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“The new healthcare facility will be the solution to getting healthcare to every person that needs it.”
Kjell Davila
Ghilotti Brothers
Kjell Davila
Kjell is a Project Manager for Granite Construction. He resides in Cloverdale with his family.
Why do you support AVH?
“Our community deserves a centralized facility and organization to support the needs of all community members. “
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“A highly functioning space where people can have their medical needs met.”
Neena Hanchett
Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce
Neena Hanchett
Neena is the Executive Director of Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and a Cloverdale resident for 22 years. She loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys supporting arts and events in our community. In her free time, you’ll find her at either Anytime Fitness or Parkpoint Health Club enjoying exercise which she balances by loving food and local wines.
Why do you support AVH?
“Healthcare is vitally important to our community. Having access to it locally is critical to the health of all of our residents.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“An accessible, well-managed Wellness Center that attracts qualified medical professionals to Northern Sonoma County, for the benefit of our community.”
Kathryn Hecht
Alexander Valley Film Festival
Kathryn Hecht
Kathryn is the Executive Director for AVFilm. She is responsible for AVFilm’s overall strategic, financial, management, fundraising, and operational health. She has raised more than $4M for the organization’s infrastructure and programming. With a deep commitment to equity, she helped AVFilm earn the community’s trust as a custodian of donor dollars and agent for change. Under Kathryn’s leadership, AVFilm formed strategic partnerships with community stakeholders, nonprofits, and prominent businesses. She was appointed to the Sonoma County Economic Development Board in 2017, and currently presides as chair. Kathryn lives in Cloverdale with her husband Ryan, their two dogs, two cats, and four chickens, and is also co-founder of The Clover Theater.
Why do you support AVH?
“Cloverdale needs access to local, quality healthcare. We live in one of the world’s most beautiful towns and want the resources necessary to live and thrive in our slice of paradise.”
What is your vision for the future of AVH?
“I envision AVH serving as a convener for the community, providing bilingual/bicultural services to all ages.”
Terms of Service:
Alexander Valley Healthcare’s Board members live and/or work in the Cloverdale/Geyserville area and serve a three year term. Most Board members are not affiliated professionally in the health field and over half of the Board members are consumers of health care services at AVH, truly making it a community-consumer directed Board.
Board Recruitment:
If you would like information about applying to join AVH’s Board of Directors, please call the Administration Office at (707) 669-1777 weekdays 9AM to 5PM.