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
Cell: 650-533-1354
Code of Conduct
AB 1234
Brown Act Training

Photo of Rose Fluharty

Rose Fluharty, MScN, CNS was elected to the Board during the general election of 2022.
     Rose is a Certified Nutrition Specialist®, credentialed by the American Nutrition Association® through its Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists™. Rose holds a graduate degree in clinical nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland Oregon: the oldest accredited Naturopathic medical school in North America. Prior to receiving a Master's Degree from NUNM, Rose spent two years as a volunteer clinical coordinator at the Rose Haven Women's Shelter and the Portland Community College Workforce Center. She previously received a bachelor of science degree from Portland State University's School of Public Health, focusing on Community Health Education, and working with inner city youth primarily from the Mid-Columbia River Tribal Nations.
     Much of her knowledge and experience comes from working closely with real people. Relationships, work environments, travel, and all the hard stuff have been life's biggest learning opportunities. While Rose is grateful to have had the privilege of spending time in higher education, she feels there are deep stories to learn from every day through listening and reading.
     Critical training over the years has provided the framework from which she holds public office including but not limited to: trauma informed care, mind-body medicine, food as medicine, motivational interviewing, neurobiology of trauma, community needs assessments, HIPAA certification, mandatory reporting, non-violent crisis intervention, restorative practice, youth mental health first aid, assertive engagement, as well as cultural competency and sensitivity through the relational worldview model.
     Rose was raised in Mariposa County, and enjoys claiming she was born in a barn in Cathey's Valley. Growing up in Mariposa allowed a unique opportunity to experience rural life before traveling to different parts of the world. In a full circle, Rose returned back to Mariposa to start her private clinical nutrition practice in 2021, she lives on one acre with her partner and two dogs enjoying the country life.
     Rose wants to thank her community for trusting her with the responsibility as a member of the John C Fremont Healthcare District 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
Sexual Harassment Certificate 2024

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
Sexual Harassment Certificate 2024