January 17, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 13

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 • 11 The Elk City News Geister installed as OHA board chair; Lively named chair elect The Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) installed a new board chair and elected new board members at its recent annual business meeting. Bennett Geister, president, Mercy Oklahoma City Communities, was installed as 20262027 chair of the OHA board of directors. Installing Geister was the outgoing chair, Denise Webber, CEO, Stillwater Medical. Corey Lively, CEO, Great Plains Regional Medical Center, Elk City, was named chair elect and will serve as the association’s board chair in 20282029. Xavier Villareal, CEO, Hillcrest Medical Center, Tulsa, was named secretary/treasurer on the OHA board, serving on the board’s executive committee. Elected to serve as at-large Corey Lively members through 2028 are Bo Beaudry, ministry market executive, Ascension St. John Health System, Tulsa; and Steve Hartgraves, president and CEO, Jackson County Memorial Hospital, Altus, and Harmon Memorial Hospital, Hollis. Newly elected as regional chairs are Jimmy Leopard, CEO, Wagoner Community Hospital, representing the northeast region; Darin Farrell, CEO, Weatherford Regional Hospital, representing the southwest region; Tiffany Griffis, CEO, Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center, Poteau, representing the southeast region; Tammy Powell, president, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Oklahoma City, representing the Oklahoma City region; and Matt Adams, president, Ascension St. John Medical Center, representing the Tulsa region. Continuing his term as regional chair for the northwest region is Tom Vasko, CEO, Newman Memorial Hospital, Shattuck. Continuing their terms as at-large members of the OHA board are Joe Hodges, president/CEO, SSM Health Oklahoma; Cindy J. Martin, senior director, hospital administration, Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital, Tahlequah; Richard Lofgren, MD, president and CEO, OU Health; Tim Pehrson, president and CEO, INTEGRIS Health; Cliff Robertson, MD, president and CEO, Saint Francis Health System; and Dr. Charles Grim, secretary of health, Chickasaw Nation Department of Health, as the American Hospital Association delegate. Jay Johnson, president and CEO, DRH Health, Duncan, as chair of the OHA’s Foundation for a Healthy Oklahoma, serves as an ex-officio voting member of the board. Denise Webber, CEO, Stillwater Medical, will continue serving on the board as immediate past chair. CANUTE Hope Is the Vibe: Help OBI Bring Encouragement to Patients in the New Year As the new year begins, Our Blood Institute is inviting the community to bring hope and encouragement to patients by donating blood from January 13 through January 31. All donors will receive a retro-inspired, short-sleeve GIVE HOPE T-shirt, created to carry messages of encouragement beyond the donation chair. The shirt features an interactive QR code that connects donors and community members to words of support for patients who depend on donated blood. Donors will also have the opportunity to write messages of hope on green hearts, which are shared with patients as a reminder that they are not alone and that their community is thinking of them. Our Blood Institute will hold a blood drive with Northfork Electric Cooperative on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Northfork Electric Cooper- ative (18920 E 1170 Rd, Sayre, OK 73662). “When you give blood, you’re doing more than helping patients — you’re sharing hope,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “Each donation represents a spark of compassion and community that connects us all. This campaign is about celebrating that energy and reminding donors that their generosity has real power.” Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walkins are also welcome. *16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required. CBA Congratulations to the HS girls team on winning the Merritt Classic Tournament. Great job to the HS boys team placing runner-up. Congratulations to the Trojanettes & Trojans! It was a great basketball tournament for the Corn Bible Academy Lady Crusaders and Crusaders. Brylie Driskil and Kate Stewart made the All Tournament Teams, the Lady Crusaders took home the third place trophy and Zach Zybach made the All Tournament Team. Mega Breeze & Mini Breeze Call For Pricing! Parts Available! 580-225-6554 One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Canute Schools ~ Great Plains Bank ~ First National Bank Farmers Union Co-Op Gin 720 S. Main, Elk City 580-225-0191 www.elkcitycoop.com Josh Moran President/Owner 319 Industrial PKWY Elk City, OK 73644 580.225.2575 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 banksovereign.com | Member FDIC MORAN EQUIPMENT SERVING Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico www.moranequipment.com