UMC’s oversight put in hands of eight board appointees

By Conor Shine

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 | 12:34 p.m.

The Clark County Commission has approved a group of eight candidates to oversee University Medical Center as part of a newly formed governing board.

Commissioners approved the slate of nominees Tuesday in a single 4-2 vote, with Commissioners Chris Giunchigliani and Lawrence Weekly opposed.

The new board members are: Jeff Ellis, Elizabeth Renee Franklin, Harry Hagerty, Laura Lopez Hobbs, John O’Reilly, Eileen Raney, Michael Saltman and John Valery White.

A ninth candidate, Dr. Anthony Marlon, withdrew from consideration.

Board members will start training for their new roles in January and should take on the full responsibilities delegated to them in July.

The county commission after nearly a year of debate voted to turn most of its authority over the financially challenged public hospital in November.

Commissioners will retain final say over the hospital’s budget and a few other select powers, leaving the board responsible for oversight of physician recruitment, developing personnel policies and setting long-term strategies and goals.