Circle of Gratitude
Kip Webb, MD, MPH
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
Healthcare Leader, Lecturer
Dr. Kip Webb has been successful in leading healthcare reform as a pediatrician, professor and business leader. He is a highly sought-after public speaker who has been asked to present on myriad topics, including healthcare reform, consumerism, digital innovation, social determinants of health and clinician burnout.
Dr. Webb became an assistant professor at Stanford University Medical School while still in his twenties and was named “Teacher of the Year”. He later joined the faculty of Tufts University Medical School, and his academic work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, and Pediatrics.
Dr. Webb was recruited to be managing director at Accenture, an IT services company, where he was selected one of the firm’s “Top 30 Leaders.”
He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Biology at Amherst College, his Doctor of Medicine at Cornell University and his Master of Public Health at the University of Massachusetts. Kip lives in San Francisco with his family.
Hector Tarraza, MD
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
Former Chief, CMH Oncology Institute – Joint Commission International– Quality & Patient Safety – Philanthropy
Hector Tarraza, MD is a strategic and respected physician leader, who is frequently called upon for his knowledge and expertise in obstetrics, gynecology and oncology. He has extensive experience in worldwide cancer prevention, education, surgery and medical leadership.
A graduate from Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Tarraza completed his residency training in the Combined Harvard OB/GYN at Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham Women’s followed by Harvard Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship in 1987. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work over his career including the Tufts University Medical Student Excellence in Teaching Award, Operational Excellence Physician Champion Award, named Honorary Visiting Professor of OBGYN, Singapore, and received the Distinguished Service to Healthcare Philanthropy Award. Dr. Tarraza has over 30 publications, 40 abstracts, 3 Chapters and 1 book. He has Co-Chaired two capital campaigns and served as committee member on three other campaigns. Over the past 25 years, Dr. Tarraza has led over 100 medical missions throughout the world caring for some of the poorest communities on the planet.
As a Central Maine Healthcare Board Director, Dr. Tarraza brings a direct voice of physicians and has strong essential competencies including: leadership experience in larger not-for-profit or public sector entities, reliability science/quality expertise, and strategic thinking/business development track record.
Geoffrey S. Swift
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
VP, Finance & Administration and Treasurer, Bates College – Strategy – Higher Education – Nonprofits
Geoff Swift joined the Bates staff in 2014 to oversee the finance, facilities, dining and human resource functions at the college, including oversight of the annual budget process and the production of annual audited financial reports. He came to Bates after 10 years at Harvard University where he spent five years as the budget director at the Harvard Business School before moving to Harvard Law School for more than five years as the associate dean for finance and the chief financial officer. In roles outside of higher education, Geoff worked in economic consulting and merchant banking. He earned his B.A. from Amherst College and his MBA from Harvard Business School.
In addition to time with the CMH board, Geoff is also on the investment committee of a local foundation improving the lives of people in Maine. Several of Geoff’s family members work in healthcare, and he has developed a deep appreciation for caregivers throughout any healthcare organization from his father’s 30-year experience with a traumatic brain injury.
As a Central Maine Healthcare Board Director, Geoff has strong essential competencies including: Experience governing or leading an organization through financially challenging environment/industry in transition, financial/accounting expertise and leadership experience in larger not-for-profit or public sector entity.
Louis Silverman
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
Chairman and CEO, Hicuity Health – Telemedicine – High-Acuity – Healthcare
Lou Silverman is an experienced health care executive who grew up in Lewiston, ME and joined the CMHC Board out of a strong desire to give back to the community where he was raised. He has expansive experience in leading healthcare technology and healthcare services organizations serving hospital systems, hospitals and provider groups.
A graduate of Amherst College and The Harvard Business School, Lou’s current company is a respected leader in the rapidly growing technology-enabled remote patient monitoring space. Previously he served as the CEO of a leading publicly traded EMR company as well as a specialty healthcare RCM organization.
Lou also serves as a Board member for a variety of public and private health care organizations.
As a Central Maine Healthcare Board Director, Lou brings to the system “C-Suite” leadership experience as well as specific expertise in areas including finance, customer service, corporate compliance, strategy development, and business development.
Outside of work, Lou was a Founding Director of Community Roots Academy (a K-8 charter school) and has been honored as a nominee for several awards including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2011, 2012) and Entrepreneur of the Year, Orange County Business Journal (2016, 2017).
Keeping additionally busy with a variety of “part time” jobs, Lou served as Head Coach for Sage Hill School Girls Varsity Basketball (2007-11). During his tenure, the team was Academy League Champions (2007, 2009), made the CIF playoffs during the 2007, 2008, and 2009 seasons, and Lou was named Academy League Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2009.
Fun Fact: Lou describes himself as a daily runner of uncommon dedication but modest speed.
David Salko, MD
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
Board Certified Physician – Family Medicine – Holistic Medicine – Healthcare
David Salko, MD is known for his compassionate approach by the patients he serves at Topsham Family Medicine. He focuses on motivating patients toward better lifestyles and employs both traditional and holistic approaches to treating patients.
A graduate from Franklin and Marshall College, Dr. Salko attended medical school at Jefferson Medical College and graduated in 2001. He completed the Family Medicine Internship and Residency at Maine Medical Center in 2004 followed by Medical Acupuncture at the Helms Medical Institute in 2006. He has also completed leadership training with Maine’s Physician Executive Leadership Institute as a McAfee fellow in 2018. He is a respected physician leader in the Central and Mid Coast communities and has been awarded the Bernard L. Albert Memorial Award – For the Promise of Becoming a Humane Physician (1997), Arthur Krieger Memorial Prize in Family Medicine (2001) and HEROES Award – Healthcare Employees Reaching Out for Excellent Service (2012). Dr. Salko enjoys teaching and precepts medical students and nurse practitioners.
Fun Facts: Dr. Salko is passionate about the growth and development of his family and children. He enjoys living in and exploring Maine as well as running/fitness, reading, cooking, and travel. Dr. Salko plays the drums, supports extended family in their farming adventures, and practices living life to the fullest within the beauty of art, science, and philosophy.
Favorite quote: “If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would decline, for life would no longer teach me anything.” – Allyson Jones
As a Central Maine Healthcare Board Director, Dr. Salko brings a direct voice of physicians.
Linda Pepin
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
Public Relations Leader
Linda is a detail-oriented strategic communicator with a calling to serve. She has more than 25 years of experience as a public relations practitioner and leader–stateside and overseas–as a U.S. Air Force officer. She earned an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering and a master’s degree in communication. Linda is also a graduate of Air War College and completed Advance Joint Professional Military Education in Norfolk, Virginia.
Since retiring from the Air Force, Linda has worked as a corporate communication contractor, dabbled in sales and marketing and enjoys part-time employment at a local church.
Linda serves on the board of Beautify Rumford, fills in as a substitute teacher, and volunteers where needed in the community. She enjoys hiking and loves getting her hands dirty, literally, donating fresh produce from her garden to the food pantry to compensate for a heavy hand at planting time.
Larry Merlis
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
Retired Healthcare Executive
Larry Merlis joins the Central Maine Healthcare Board with 45 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Most recently, he was executive vice president for Strategic Partnerships, Ventures and Innovation at Thomas Jefferson University. Larry was also chief operating officer at Jefferson Health, a multi-state nonprofit health system.
Prior to working at Jefferson Health, Larry was president and CEO of Abington Health in Pennsylvania and president and CEO of Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Maryland.
Larry received a Master of Business Administration at George Washington University. He has served on the boards of several hospitals, as well as the Workforce Investment Board of Montgomery County, Pa.
While Larry and his wife, Ryder Wood, currently live in Pennsylvania, Ryder’s family is originally from Maine, so they have a strong affinity to the Pine Tree State. They both enjoy spending time during the summer boating on the Chesapeake Bay.
John McAnuff, CPA
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
CFO & Treasurer, Spurwink – Strategic Planning – Compliance – Pension Plans
John McAnuff is a strategic and experienced leader with strong financial and operational skills. He has expansive experience in internal controls, Not-For-Profit Management, GAAP, risk management and financial reporting including analysis.
A graduate of Boston University and University of Southern Maine, John is a respected leader and enjoys working with clinicians and educators. He is a thought leader that has identified unique business opportunities in the behavioral health industry while adapting to constant change. John enjoys helping people grow and develop their talents. He is a realist and uses data as evidence to gauge if something worked and to make recommendations for process improvement. John is optimistic about the human race and uses perspective and uses creativity to identify solutions. Fun Fact: John is a runner, history lover – especially Roman history and cooking. Family time and hanging out with his kids is a priority.
As a Central Maine Healthcare Board Director, John has strong essential competencies including: “C-Suite” corporate leadership background, experience governing or leading an organization through financially challenging environment/industry in transition, financial/accounting expertise, leadership experience in larger not-for-profit or public sector entity, and strategic thinking/business development track record.
Marney Chalmers
Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
NAHGA Claim Services
Global Sourcing – Retail – Merchandising
Marney Chalmers, a strategic business leader, is a highly regarded and influential community member in the Lakes Region. Marney is known for her marketing strategies, business acumen and building strong partner relationships.
A graduate from Parsons School of Design in New York, Marney is respected in her industry for bringing innovation and creative solutions together to drive efficiencies and produce results.
Prior to working at NAHGA Claim Services, Marney had a successful career in New York City working within a leadership role at William Sonoma Inc. With over ten years of experience, Marney specialized in strategic branding, merchandising, partner relationships, cost negotiations, and the responsible sourcing within the global supply chain. Marney is a two-time recipient of the Williams Sonoma, Inc. “Catch the Spirit” award.
As a Central Maine Healthcare Board Director, Marney has strong essential competencies including: experience governing or leading an organization through financially challenging environment/industry in transition, relationship building, knowledge of consumerism and customer service, marketing and branding expertise with a strategic thinking/business development track record. Marney’s experience will allow her to bring fresh ideas to the table and skillfully advance the mission of the organization.
Marney spends her time between Portland and Bridgton, Maine, and resides with her husband and English Setter dog named: Fluffernutter. In her spare time Marney enjoys playing tennis, running, and designing jewelry.