The e-Health board will oversee the development, implementation and operation of a statewide electronic health network. This network, coupled with more widespread and coordinated utilization of health information technology, promises to improve access, quality and efficiency of health care, while also lowering administrative costs.
"This board of highly qualified individuals is coming together to help us improve health care for all Kentuckians," Governor Fletcher said. "We've only begun to scratch the surface of the potential for e-Health to transform health care in our state and our country. Technology can make health care safer, faster and more efficient."
In addition to the nine at-large members appointed by the Governor, the board will be composed of 12 individuals who serve by virtue of their position in the General Assembly or the administration. The presidents of the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, Lee T. Todd, Jr., Ph.D., and James R. Ramsey, Ph.D., will serve as the board's co-chairs.
Senate Bill 2, passed by the 2005 General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Fletcher on March 8, created the Kentucky e-Health Network Board, which is authorized to oversee the creation of the network. The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville comprise the new Kentucky Healthcare Infrastructure Authority, created by the same legislation, which will also provide leadership and support to the state's e-Health efforts.
Further information regarding the Kentucky e-Health Network can be found at its newly launched Web site, located at http://ehealth.ky.gov.
Appointments:
Barbara Asher -- AstraZeneca International, Prospect
Barbara Asher works in pharmaceutical sales for AstraZeneca International. She is a native of Oldham County and graduated from Centre College. Asher and her husband, Kenneth, currently reside in Prospect.
Frank Butler -- Vice President for Medical Center Operations, University of Kentucky, Lexington
Frank Butler previously served as vice chancellor for planning and systems development at the UK Chandler Medical Center and director of UK Hospital. He also served as associate director of the University Hospital at the Medical University of South Carolina Charleston before coming to Kentucky. Butler has a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and a master's degree in hospital administration from the Medical College of Virginia.
Ford Brewer, M.D. -- Medical Director, Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Georgetown
Dr. Ford Brewer joined Toyota in 2000. A graduate of the Baptist College at Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina, he completed his residency and received a master's degree in public health at Johns Hopkins University. He also serves on the faculty of the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center as chair of the Preventive Medicine Advisory Committee. Prior to joining Toyota, Brewer served as national medical director for Meridian Corporate Healthcare in Nashville, medical director for National Health Services, Inc. in New York City, director of the Preventive Medicine Residency Program at Johns Hopkins, and chief medical officer for the Maryland Department of Corrections.
Bobby H. Dampier -- President and CEO, Trover Foundation, Madisonville
Bobby Dampier previously served as CEO of Regional Medical Center and executive vice-president of the Trover Foundation. He is past chairman of the Kentucky Hospital Association, has held a number of offices with the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, was a member of the Health Insurance Advisory Council and is currently a member of the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board. Dampier is a United States Army veteran and served as a medic in Vietnam. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina and a master's degree in hospital administration from Duke University.
Marsha L. Donegan -- Vice President, Fidelity Investments, Covington
Marsha Donegan serves as vice president of regional support for Fidelity Investments in Covington. She graduated with a degree in computer information from Weber State University and has completed graduate coursework in computer science at Utah State University. She currently resides in Erlanger and is married to Daniel Donegan.
Robert Hughes, M.D. -- Physician, Primary Care Medical Center, Murray
Dr. Robert Hughes is a physician with the Primary Care Medical Center in Murray. He is a graduate of Prestonsburg Community College, Transylvania University and the University of Louisville. In addition, Hughes is a member of the Kentucky Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians, and the Calloway County Medical Association. Hughes is married to Joyce Marie Hughes, M.D.
Bruce Klockars -- President and CEO, Flaget Memorial Hospital, Bardstown
Bruce Klockars has served as president and CEO of Flaget Memorial Hospital in Bardstown since 2001. A graduate of McPherson College, he attained a master's degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to joining Flaget, Klockars was senior vice president and COO of Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington from 1990 to 2000, including a stint as interim president and CEO. He has also been a hospital administrator in Florida and Texas and a pilot in the U.S. Army. Klockars and his wife, Diane, have two sons, Jeff and Andrew.
Jack Lord, M.D. -- Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, Humana, Louisville
Dr. Jack Lord joined Humana in 2000 to help develop the company's business strategy and direct the design and implementation of health plan products and services. Lord is a board-certified forensic pathologist with 21 years' experience in medical practice. He began his medical career in the U.S. Navy, where he spent 11 years on active duty, most recently as director of the Naval Medical Command's Quality Assurance Division in the Office of the Surgeon General. Lord also served as a consultant and surveyor for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Lord received his medical degree from the University of Miami in 1978 and has received numerous academic appointments in his career, most recently as an adjunct professor of community and family medicine at Dartmouth Medical College.
Kimberly Williams, M.D. -- Physician, St. Clair Regional Medical Center, Morehead
Dr. Kimberly Williams is board certified in pediatrics and emergency medicine and has served as a physician at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead since 1988. For the past eight years, she has also served as vice president for medical affairs and physician services. Williams is a community-based faculty member for the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and serves as the medical director for the Northeast Area Health Education Center. Williams is the current chair of the Kentucky TeleHealth Board and a member of the Morehead State University Foundation Board of Trustees. She is a charter member of the Morehead Rotary Club and is active in the Morehead Church of Christ. A native of Paintsville, Williams and her husband, Dion, have two children and three grandchildren.
