Board of Directors


The John C. Fremont Healthcare District is a political subdivsion of the State of California, created in 1947 under the provisions of California Local Hospital District Law.

The District is governed by a publicly elected five member board of directors.

The Board of Directors:


Photo of Wendy

Wendy Ryder-Priola, RN, BSN was elected to the Board during the general election of 2022.
     Wendy is a nurse and caring individual at heart. Her journey in healthcare began as a Paramedic and evolved into an accomplished Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Her extensive experience spans various healthcare settings, from emergency care to critical care transport, demonstrating her diverse expertise.
     Her career includes roles as a Clinical Educator, Clinical Manager, Critical Care Transport Nurse, and Charge Nurse, spanning from San Mateo Convalescent Hospital, Oakland Fire Department, County of Tuolumne, all the way to Presidio Army Base.
     Wendy now owns and operates her own IV Infusion company for rare pediatric autoimmune diseases, 8 years and counting. She has demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services and fostering community well-being.
     Wendy brings an exceptional blend of healthcare expertise, business acumen, and community engagement to our organization's Board of Directors. Her leadership is characterized by a steadfast commitment to improving healthcare and fostering community welfare, is part of the reason she is an invaluable asset to our JCFHD family.
Email: wendy.ryderpriola@jcf-hospital.com
Code of Conduct
AB 1234
Brown Act Training

Photo of Rose Fluharty

Rose Fluharty, MScN was elected to the Board during the general election of 2022.
     My name is Rose Fluharty and I am a clinical nutritionist here in Mariposa County. I am committed to supporting the John C Fremont Healthcare District's growth toward a sustainable and equitable future. Being born here in rural Mariposa, I was raised amongst folks that know what it takes to thrive given our unique lifestyle.
     Throughout my young adulthood, I lived and worked in the San Francisco Bay Area which ultimately began my introduction to the variety of ways in which we define community health. After traveling abroad and spending time working in food systems of all types - from Organic farms to hospitality - I became determined to seek a higher education. This pursuit led me to Portland, Oregon where I was given the opportunity to intern within the Multnomah County Office of Sustainability while finishing an undergraduate degree in Public Health: Community Health Education.
     Gaining insight into public and community health changed my entire outlook on life. I was given advice from a tribal elder at the time that I had a choice: to either go help the youth or work in public office because of the privilege I hold. I took this advice and worked with inner city native youth until eventually moving back home to engage young folks here in Mariposa. During this time, I completed a graduate degree and gained supervised, clinical experience to start my own practice as a nutritionist. Leaning back to the advice I was given; I am now grateful to have the opportunity to serve as an elected member of your board of directors.
Email: rose.fluharty@jcf-hospital.com
Code of Conduct
AB 1234
Brown Act Training
Sexual Harassment Certificate 2022

Photo of Doctor Rogers

Joseph E.C. Rogers, M.D., was elected to the Board during the general election of 2016.
     Dr. Rogers has been in practice as a physician since completing his residency training in 1990.
     Dr. Rogers received his bachelors degree at St. Mary's College of California. He attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee graduating in 1987. He returned to California for residency training in Pediatrics at Valley Medical Center and Valley Children's Hospitals in Fresno. Upon graduation, he entered practice in 1990.
     For nearly a decade thereafter, Dr. Rogers worked in rural communities in the Central California Valley area. Recognizing a clear need for expertise in rural emergency medicine as well as primary care, Rogers entered the Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina in 1999.
     Rogers returned to the Central California Valley area and established a multi-disciplinary physician group to meet the varied needs of the mountain community of Mariposa. Together with Dr. Marcus Shouse, Sierra Rural Physicians provided Emergency Medicine service at John C. Fremont Hospital beginning in 2006 and expanded to include professional physician coverage in the Skilled Nursing Facility and inpatient hospital.
     Following 26 years of providing direct patient care, 11 years of those at John C. Fremont Hospital, Rogers has joined the faculty at California Northstate University College of Medicine and the John C. Fremont Board of Directors.
Email: joseph.rogers@jcf-hospital.com
Code of Conduct
AB 1234
Brown Act Training

Photo of Suzette

Suzette Prue, was elected to the Board during the general election of 2022.
     Originally a mid-westerner, she has lived in Mariposa County since 1984 and has been involved with local healthcare in one way or another since 1986 when she was asked to join the Fremont Foundation Board of Directors. She served with them for several years and co-founded their largest fundraiser - the Black and White Ball.
     Around 2000 Suzette was appointed to the John C. Fremont Healthcare District Board of Directors and served for many years until about six years ago. In the intervening years she served the community as a patient advocate.
     Last year Suzette became the co-sponsor of the private citizens Measure O Committee to secure funding for construction of a new hospital. She worked hard for passage of the local tax measure on the June 2022 ballot.
     Suzette brings a breath of life experience to the healthcare district with a background in journalism and business management. She has worked at publicly traded corporations and private non-profits.
Email: suzette.prue@jcf-hospital.com
Code of Conduct
AB 1234
Brown Act Training

Photo of Suzette

Bob Pickard, was elected to the Board during late 2023.
     With a legacy spanning over three decades, Bob Pickard and his wife, Paula Pickard, have been the proud owners of High Country Health Foods & Cafe since 1988. Their commitment to promoting healthy living within the community has been the cornerstone of their business.

     In 1995, Bob earned the trust of the community by winning the Primary Election and subsequently being appointed by Governor Pete Wilson to the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors. This appointment came in the wake of his dedication to completing the term of the late Supervisor Gert Tabor, showcasing Bob's unwavering commitment to public service.

     A testament to the faith placed in him by the community, Bob embarked on an elected term in January 1996, culminating in three four-year terms of dedicated service. His retirement in January 2009 marked the end of a chapter, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and community advocacy.

     Beyond his public service, Bob has lent his support to the Mariposa Habitat for Humanity, serving as a board member for three years. This reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on both a local and global scale.

     In the midst of his professional achievements, Bob has celebrated 39 years of marriage to Paula Pickard. Together, they've raised two children, Michael and Laurel, and are delighted grandparents to three grandchildren. Their deep roots in Mariposa County since 1988 have fueled their passion for the community's prosperity.

     Bob brings a wealth of experience from successfully managing their business for 35 years and serving the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors for nearly 13 years. He believes in the continued prosperity of the county and remains dedicated to community well-being.
Email: bob.pickard@jcf-hospital.com
Code of Conduct
AB 1234

Election Procedure

District Election/Vacancy Process

Board Self-Assessment

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Board Member Reimbursement Reports

2020

2019

2018

2017