Hohorst, Rymer take seats on hospital board

Peter Hohorst and Joshua Rymer took their seats on the Sonoma Valley Health Care District board of directors after being sworn in by board chair Sharon Nevins at the December board meeting.

Hohorst, an incumbent, is a six-year board member and past board chair who currently serves as treasurer. Rymer begins his first term on the board, replacing Kevin Carruth, who has served on the board since 2010 and did not seek re-election this year.

Members of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District board who were not up for re-election include Nevins, Jane Hirsch, and Bill Boerum.

At the December board meeting, Nevins recognized Carruth for his service to the district. “Kevin cares passionately about the efficient functioning of the board, and he brought us to a new level of productivity,” she said. “He also cares passionately about the district, and always kept the interests of the community paramount.”

In acknowledging the recognition, Carruth said, “I appreciate the voters of the district giving me the opportunity to represent them during this time of momentous change. Our hospital now has a state-of-the-art Emergency Department and operating suites, the best in the North Bay, and this couldn’t have been accomplished without the community’s strong financial support of the bond measure, the parcel tax, and the hospital’s fundraising efforts. I can pass the baton knowing this community is exceptionally well served by the district board, the hospital CEO and staff, and our doctors.”

Hohorst is a manufacturing consultant whose broad experience in facilities planning and construction led him to play an instrumental role in building the hospital’s new wing, which opened in February, and houses the new Emergency Department and Surgery Center. Hohorst’s service includes serving as board member and president of the Sonoma Community Center, chairman of the Fourth of July Parade Committee, and board member of the Diamond A Mutual Water Company. He has been a member of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District board since 2008.

Rymer, a Sonoma resident since 1998, works as an independent consultant, developing sustainable business strategies for companies and nonprofit organizations. As a part of his consulting practice, he has worked closely with the hospital in recent years on its strategic plan. Rymer is an active volunteer in the community and serves on several boards including Community Foundation Sonoma County and the Sonoma Valley Fund (president). During his career, he has held positions with Pacific Bell (now AT&T), Boston Consulting Group, and Charles Schwab & Co.