As board chair, Gardner will direct the organization, which is responsible for overseeing policy at Catalina Island Medical Center. The AMDC board members, who are appointed by the Avalon City Council, meet monthly to review to review hospital finances, policies and direction.

 Also recently elected as officers of the board are Vice Chair Ron Salo, Secretary Maggie Maki and Treasurer Marie Whittington. They will serve with board members Ross Turner, Debbie Harrell and Paul DeMeyer.

Gardner said she was looking forward to working both with her fellow volunteer officers and the staff of the medical center.

"I am excited to be serving with such a dedicated group of officers, directors and staff," she said. "As anyone who listens to the news or reads a newspaper knows, there are some major issues facing healthcare providers in California and these folks are ready to dig in and see how we can keep things going here in Catalina."

Supporting health care on the island is a family tradition for Gardner. Her father, Joe Arno, was a strong supporter of the development and building of Avalon's hospital and he continued to be an enthusiastic advocate of the hospital throughout his life. "My father spent many years as a volunteer, raising funds for the hospital and it is my privilege now to be a part of this extremely worthwhile organization," she said.

Gardner was appointed to the AMDC board in 2004 and has been very active during her tenure. She was recently honored by an appointment to the Governance Forum Committee of the California Hospital Association, which gives her the inside track on legislation impacting hospitals and allows her to network with representatives from other rural hospitals.

"Rose Ellen has an ideal combination of dedication and clear thinking," said hospital CEO Bryan Ballard. "I know that the community will be well served during her time as chair of the AMDC board."

For more information visit www.CatalinaIslandMedicalCenter.org