Board of Commissioners

Commissioner James Golder is certified in Health Care Governance by the Washington State Hospital Association and the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts (2022).

James Golder, Board President, is a former Idaho State Representative and brings his substantial experience as a business owner, prior to moving to Whidbey Island. Golder studied at the University of Notre Dame (UK) and at the University of Puget Sound where he obtained his Juris Doctorate.

Mr. Golder’s professional career included eight years as an Idaho State Representative, during which time he:

• Chaired the Business Committee
• Chaired the Ways & Means Committee

Golder also served as a Presidential Advisor to George H.W. Bush as part of the Department of the Interior.

In his free time, Golder enjoys gardening and bee keeping at his home in Oak Harbor. He is married to Luella, who was an operating room nurse at Whidbey General Hospital and WhidbeyHealth for 17 years. His granddaughter is currently in medical school.

Ron Wallin, has been a Whidbey resident since 1958 and has lived on both North and South Whidbey, which gives him a unique perspective on our island. He learned firsthand what it takes to provide superior care when he worked closely with hospital doctors and nurses for 10 years as a member of Emergency Medical Services.

“Throughout the hospital, our goal is to achieve and maintain excellence,” says Wallin.

“The key is to stay focused on patient needs and adapt quickly to change.”

Wallin is dedicated to the prudent use of taxpayer funds because, as he says, a sound financial condition helps the hospital recruit and retain top-quality medical talent.

Committed to giving back to the community, Wallin also sits on the board of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Island County and is a current member of the Rotary Club of North Whidbey, Island Sunrise Chapter.

Commissioner Gregory Richardson is certified in Health Care Governance by the Washington State Hospital Association and the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts (2022).

In 1993, Richardson retired as a Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Air Force, following a 20-year career as a commanding officer and fighter pilot with nearly 4,300 flying hours. His distinguished tour of duty culminated in leading 32 air-to-air combat missions in the F-15 Eagle during the 1991 Gulf War. His decorations include three Air Medals earned in combat, five Meritorious Service medals and the Distinguished Service Medal.

Following his military career, Richardson founded Aim Associates, Inc. providing training & development, corporate outplacement and career coaching before merging with Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP in 1998.

Gregory Richardson has earned two post-graduate masters degrees, with the most recent in Education & Human Resource Development from The George Washington University. He found the post-grad degree extremely useful during his 20+ years as the Director of Human Resource Consulting for Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP (now FORVIS), where he was a Senior Partner/Principal. With over 600 clients, they provided every aspect of talent-related services from recruiting at every level to employment policies and handbooks.

Richardson has considerable experience facilitating Strategic Plans and Compliance & Ethics Programs for healthcare institutions. In his free time, Richardson enjoys his role as a volunteer substitute bus driver for the South Whidbey Schools and hosting wine tasting for two regional wineries.

Commissioner Marion Jouas is certified in Health Care Governance by the Washington State Hospital Association and the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts.

She is a career registered nurse, having served in both civilian and military health systems. She holds an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing as well as a master’s degree from Georgetown in Health Systems Management.

She served a total of 21 years in the United States Air Force, excelling in positions from bedside to management, retiring as a LtCol. Her background includes Intensive Care, Trauma, Burn care and Emergency nursing.

As an Air Force spouse she served on many different non-profit organizations from volunteer to board leadership. Since arriving in 2015 Marion has been enjoying island living with her husband, Jan-Marc, in their home on South Whidbey.

Longtime Whidbey Island resident Kate Rose holds a master’s degree in public health, a bachelor’s degree in organizational behavior, and an associate degree in respiratory therapy. Her professional experience includes serving as a registered respiratory therapist in an acute care hospital, directing a home care organization, and working as a research coordinator for the University of Washington Department of Pharmacy. Subsequently, she contributed to Island County Public Health and served as the chairperson for the Island County Community Health Advisory Board.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Rose has actively participated in various community service roles. She is a member of the City of Oak Harbor’s Civil Service Commission and Park Board. Additionally, she has been engaged with the WhidbeyHealth Hospital Foundation, the Toddler Learning Center, and other community groups.

While Rose’s background is rooted in public health, her current role is as the program manager for Leadership Whidbey at Skagit Valley College.