Governance

Whitman County Public Hospital District No. 3

Georgie Leinweber, President
Term expires 2023

Georgie Leinweber joined the ranks of hospital commissioners in 2018. A graduate of the WSU College of Agriculture, she worked in Ag Research for WSU, and then retired from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service after 26 years where she worked as a soil conservationist.

"We are so fortunate that with the foresight of so many before us, we have a beautiful hospital and a very professional staff. I am honored to serve on this board and am dedicated to keeping our hospital as a resource for those in our community or for anyone wanting dedicated and professional care."

Michele Beckmann, Vice President
Term Expires 2027

Michele Beckmann was elected in 2021 and began her term as hospital commissioner in January of 2022. A graduate of the EWU, she retired from Whitman County in 2018. She worked in Human Resources from 2007-2018. Before that she worked in several departments at WSU in Pullman. She is active in the Whitman Samplers Quilt Guild, and other community activities. She has lived in Colfax since 1991. Michele and her husband have two grown sons, one in Boise, Idaho and the other in Vancouver, WA; and one granddaughter.

“I am overwhelmed by the community support, and look forward to working to maintain the award-winning level of service to our community and keeping our critical access hospital in Whitman County.”

Bob Vuletich, Secretary
Term expires 2023

Bob Vuletich has served as Board Commissioner for Whitman County Public Hospital District No. 3 dba Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics since January of 2018. Bob is a resident of Colfax WA and currently works as a pharmacist for Tick Klock Drug.

"WHMC is a vital part of our community. As a Hospital Commissioner, it is a privilege to serve with such dedicated health care professionals. Our goal is to continue to provide this excellent level of health care for our patients."

Cherry Alice Van Tine, Commissioner
Term expires 2027

Cherry Alice Van Tine has served as Board Commissioner for Whitman County Public Hospital District No. 3 dba Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics since 2003. A resident of Steptoe, WA she worked as a Medical Assistant for 39 years at Whitman Medical Group, 24 years as Dr. Tulin’s nurse and 15 years as Dr. Mellor’s nurse.

“Dr. Tulin and Gordon McLean encouraged me to file for Hospital Commissioner in 2003. I am so proud of our Hospital, the employees and the wonderful, first class care we give our patients. I feel it is part of my responsibility as a Commissioner to see WHMC continues to be the very best.”

Kathy Wride, Commissioner
Term expires 2025

Kathy Wride was appointed as Board Commissioner for Whitman County Public Hospital District No. 3 in March 2023. Kathy has been a resident of Colfax WA since April 2000 and works as a Branch Manager for Umpqua Bank in Colfax. She has served on Colfax City Council, Colfax School District, Whitman Hospital Foundation and is currently on the board for Hill-Ray Plaza.

“We are so fortunate to have WHMC in our community. As a Hospital Commissioner, it is a privilege to serve with such a dedicated group of health care professionals. I look forward to what the future holds for our critical access hospital while maintaining our award-winning level of service!”

Hank Hanigan, Chief Executive Officer
Hank Hanigan joined Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics as Chief Executive Officer in 2014. Hank is a life-long resident of Washington and received his Master’s Degree from WSU-Vancouver and his Bachelor’s Degree from Gonzaga University. On the state level, Hank is an active member of Washington State Hospital Association’s (WSHA) Rural Hospital Committee, the Association of Washington Public Hospital District's (AWPHD) Board and the Rural Health Enterprise Board. Locally he serves as a Board member for the Whitman County Health Network and the Colfax Rotary.

Bill Bryant, Chief Nursing Officer
Bill Bryant joined Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics as Chief Nursing Officer in March 2023. Bill is a Registered Nurse and received his Bachelors of Nursing (BSN) degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Charter University. He is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and prior to joining Whitman Hospital he worked for Ascension Health and an Ascension Health affiliate as CNO of two separate Critical Access Hospitals. Bill has served on numerous Chambers and State Boards. He has received numerous awards and in 2022 was awarded the National Healthcare Excellence award as CNO of the year for his work with patient satisfaction initiatives and in leading his previous hospital to a 5-star CMS distinction.

Abby Smith, Chief Financial Officer
Abby Smith joined Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics as Chief Financial Officer in March 2018. Abby is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and received her Masters of Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Gonzaga University. Prior to joining Whitman Hospital she worked for a healthcare centered public accounting firm for 13 years assisting Critical Access Hospitals throughout the western United States in preparing Medicare cost reports, performing audits and providing financial and reimbursement consulting services. A long-time resident of Whitman County, Abby is also a commissioner for Whitman County Public Hospital District #4 (Tekoa).

Debbie Hoadley, Vice President of Outpatient Services
Debbie Hoadley joined Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics in 1990. Debbie is the Vice President of Outpatient Services as well as the Director of Medical Staff Services at Whitman Hospital. In these roles, Debbie has many responsibilities and duties within the hospital, including overseeing the following outpatient departments: Imaging, Laboratory, Orthopedic, Primary Care Clinics and Therapies.

2023 WHMC Organization Chart

2023 Medical Staff Officers