Letter to the Editor: Support Jim Tweedy's candidacy for WMC Board

(Note: the following letter has been received in support of Jim Tweedy, who is running for a spot on the Winneshiek Medical Center Board)

I am writing in strong support for Jim Tweedy's selection to the Winneshiek Medical Center's governing board of directors.  Although I am not a resident of the county, my family and I frequently visit the Decorah area and it certainly holds a special place in our hearts.  As an experienced healthcare executive and my personal interest in the Decorah area, I feel compelled to highlight and endorse a community member, Jim Tweedy, for selection to this board of directors.  I have known and worked with Jim in the healthcare field for more than 20 years. Jim is a talented individual with the personal values, skills, and breadth of experience necessary to add value and have immediate positive impact to this critical responsibility in the community.

With Jim's vast experience in healthcare, I am confident that he will complement the existing board member's ability and responsibility to determine policy and direction for this important community medical center.

Jim specifically assisted me when I was the Vice President of Revenue Management for the Fairview Health System in Minneapolis MN on the development of a physician-hospital partnership, Behavioral Healthcare Providers, focused on improving the quality, access, and care for the behavioral health population in the State of Minnesota. Jim's legal background proved invaluable in setting up the appropriate structure for this organization that had hospital, physician and community members as representation on the board of directors.  This organization managed approximately one million members state-wide across various health plan and government relationships to consistently produced improvement in access, quality, and functional status for the often vulnerable and overlooked mental health population. Jim served as the Chief Operating Officer for this corporation for over ten years.
 
Once again, Jim collaborated with me when I was the CEO of Woodwinds Hospital, part of the HealthEast system in St. Paul MN, to create a community partnership for integrating health system resources with independent community providers and resources.  Jim facilitated a town hall meeting that brought together primary care physicians, community health providers, healthcare executives, and community members, to provide an overview of healthcare and industry reform and the opportunities to collaborate and improve the health of the communities within the evolving laws and regulations of health reform.  For many, this was their first introduction to federal health reform initiatives around accountable care organizations and other population health concepts within the Obama care legislation.  Many of the participants left that night with a renewed sense of passion and optimism for further integration and collaboration to improve the care and coordination across disparate services and systems.  Jim was instrumental in developing collaborative relationships between independent community providers and large health system providers to form this integrated network of providers working together to improve care for our community.  Under Jim's leadership as Chief Operating Officer, this relationship continues to expand and demonstrate improvements in care, quality, and partnership with and for the patients served.

Most recently, Jim has offered his expertise to the HealthEast system by consulting on operational efficiencies and revenue cycle opportunities within the HealthEast clinics.  Jim's financial acumen and keen eye for efficiency have identified a number of opportunities for improvement that management is now currently pursuing.  Jim's collaborative nature and many years of experience in healthcare have made him a valuable and welcome member of our team.

Jim is an incredible resource to have in the Decorah community.  His selection to the Winneshiek Medical Center board of directors is a perfect way to leverage his wisdom, experience, and leadership to benefit the entire community.

Thomas A. Schmitt
Senior Vice President, HealthEast
Accountable Care Organization, Clinics, & Outpatient Services