Central Maine Healthcare

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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.

Jim Martin, LCSW

Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare

CEO, Community Concepts, Inc., (CCI) Lewiston

Jim Martin is a well-versed social services leader in Maine, having executive leadership experience in both nonprofit and state government sectors. Jim has a broad professional background providing clinical services to children and families and has dedicated his career to helping marginalized individuals become stable and independent.

Jim is a licensed clinical social worker and received his Master of Social Work from the University of New England. Prior to assuming his role at CCI, Jim served as chief program officer at Sweetser and as director of the Office of Child and Family Services at the Maine DHHS where he was responsible for ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families. He also worked as director of the Office of Aging and Disability Services at DHHS, overseeing a suite of Medicaid home and community-based programs for individuals with disabilities

Jim and his family reside in Raymond and enjoy spending time outside boating and skiing as much as possible.

Steven G. Littleson, DBA

President and CEO, Central Maine Healthcare, President, Central Maine Medical Center

Dr. Littleson joined CMH in 2020 after serving as regional president of Jefferson Health in Philadelphia.  Prior to that position, he served as president, hospitals division for Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey. He has held senior roles at Meridian Health and Southern Ocean County Hospital, both in New Jersey, as well as at Sentara Healthcare in Virginia.

Dr. Littleson served as an officer and chairman of the boards of the New Jersey Hospital Association and the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals. He has served on the boards of numerous community service organizations including Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Rotary International, the American Red Cross, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member of New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and he has been a regular guest lecturer for the Peking University Executive MBA program in Beijing, China.  Locally, he serves on the board of the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Hospital Association.

Dr. Littleson earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Gettysburg College, his Master of Health Administration from Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University and his Doctor of Business Administration from Walden University.

Janet Koski, SHRM-SCP

Board Director, Central Maine Healthcare

Janet Koski

Human Resources – Succession Planning – HRIS – Benefits – Recruiting – Staffing – Employee Relations

Janet currently serves as the Director of Human Resources and Communications at ND Paper mill in Rumford.   She is a strategic and innovative leader with experience in unionized manufacturing including labor, employee relations, occupational safety and health, and worker’s compensation.

Janet received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Vermont and her Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons University.  A graduate from University of Phoenix, Janet received her MBA/HRM in Human Resource Management and is a respected leader in labor relations, workforce planning, change management, process improvement and compensation.  Janet lives in Weld, Maine with her husband of 3-years.

As a Central Maine Healthcare Board Director, Janet has strong essential competencies including: Experience governing or leading an organization through financially challenging environment/industry in transition, knowledge of consumerism and customer service, reliability science/quality expertise, and strategic thinking/business development track record.

Devore S. Culver

Board Chair, Central Maine Healthcare

Health IT Independent Consultant – Healthcare Management – Informatics – Non-Profits – Community Service

Dev Culver is an innovative leader and mentor that is quality focused, who is a very highly regarded and influential community leader that is frequently called upon for his knowledge to develop comprehensive patient care coordination and enable enhanced patient safety through improvement of patient clinical data.  While easygoing by nature, no one doubts his authority and direction of the Board.

A graduate from Northwestern University, Dev is respected across the Healthcare IT Industry and brings over 30 years of executive leadership experience.  He has published six peer reviewed publications.  Dev has received numerous honors from New England Health Information and Management Systems Society, IT Innovator Award, MaineBiz, Modern Healthcare and PowerChart Award.  Community service is important to Dev and he has sat on the Governor’s Task Force on Y2K Readiness, State of Maine (1999-2000), the State of Maine Information Systems Advisory Board (2000-2002), Co-Chairman of the Governor’s Task Force on Telemedicine (2002-2003) and the Central Maine Healthcare Board of Directors (2018 – present).  Dev retired from full-time employment in 2018.  This change enabled Dev to indulge other passions that include being the volunteer coordinator for the Thomas Settlemire Community Garden Common Good Garden (CGG).  Dev and the CGG volunteer teams grow vegetables for distribution to Brunswick area residents in need through the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program.  During the 2020 growing season, the CGG produced over 4,000 pounds of fresh produce despite the challenges of bringing groups together to work during a pandemic.

As the Central Maine Healthcare Board Chair, Dev has strong essential competencies including: “C-Suite” corporate leadership experience, experience governing or leading an organization through financially challenging environment/industry in transition, knowledge of consumerism and customer service, leadership experience in larger not-for-profit or public sector entity, legal or corporate compliance expertise, marketing and branding expertise with a strategic thinking/business development track record.

Austin Albert, CPFA

Board Vice Chair, Central Maine Healthcare

LPL Financial Advisor, Twin City Financial Group – 401k – Investments—Wealth Management

Austin Albert is a very highly regarded and influential leader in the Lewiston business community, who is frequently called upon for his knowledge to make informed decisions and build sound investment strategies.  Austin takes a personal approach to financial services beginning with educating his clients about the many aspects of wealth management and preservation, and building long lasting relationships.

A graduate from Union College, Austin is respected across the Finance Industry and brings over 15 years of financial and economic leadership experience.  Austin resides in Lewiston with his family and in his spare time he enjoys skiing, fishing, biking, snowmobiling and traveling.  Austin has served on the Central Maine Healthcare Board since 2018 and is the Chair of the Finance Committee and the Investment and Retirement Sub-Committee.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for Community Credit Union.  Fun Fact:  Austin has never broken a bone!

As the Central Maine Healthcare Board Vice Chair, Austin has strong essential competencies including: financial/accounting expertise, knowledge of consumerism and customer service, with a strategic thinking/business development track record.

Advanced Care Planning

Informed Consent and Advance Directives: Your Right to Determine Your Own Care

What is an Advance Directive?

An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows you to spell out your decisions regarding your end of life care ahead of time. The document provides important information for you to be able to express your wishes to family, friends and healthcare professionals if you should become medically unable to speak for yourself.

Can We Help You?

For more information about advance health care directives, or to obtain a copy, please contact:

  • Care Management Department at Central Maine Medical Center, 207-795-8284
  • Social Work Department at Central Maine Medical Center, 207-795-2721

Advance Care Planning Resources(*Please note: Some of the resources below may have a cost attached.)

Living Your Last Years – Toolkits to help Mainers talk about end of life care. This online site provides helpful information, resources and important advanced care planning documents for Maine residents.

The Conversation Project – Features The Conversation Starter Kit, aimed at helping people overcome barriers to planning and to start talking to family and loved ones. Available in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.

Aging with Dignity and Five Wishes – Provides practical information, advice and legal tools for Advance Care Planning, including the “Five Wishes” Advance Directive. Also offers “Voicing My Choices: A Planning Guide for Adolescents & Young Adults” (in English and Spanish), a tool that helps young people living with a serious illness communicate their preferences to friends, family and caregivers.

American Bar Association Advance Planning Toolkit – This online toolkit answers basic questions about advance care directives, legal issues surrounding serious illness and decision making, and elder care ethics.

The American Bar Association has also developed the My Healthcare Wishes app, which offers unlimited storage and management of personal and family profiles and documents, including advance directives, living wills, health care powers of attorney, DNR orders, POLST documents (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), and related information (available for a small fee.)

The Center for Practical Bioethics – Offers downloadable resources, including the workbook “Caring Conversations,” as well as case studies and audio interviews about the importance of advance care planning.

Go Wish Game – Developed by The Coda Alliance helps stimulate discussion that would focus in a positive way on values and wishes about end-of-life care. The card game can be an effective tool for elderly people with limited cognition, and for people with limited literacy and limited skills in the English language, without seeming too simplistic for those with higher education.

Hospice Foundation of America – The website has extensive resources for clinicians and consumers on advance care planning, end-of-life care decision making, hospice care, and grief. Find state-specific Advance Directive resources for clinicians and consumers on advance care planning, end-of-life care decision making, hospice care, and grief.

MyDirectives.com – A service of ADVault, Inc., is a free online platform that allows consumers to digitize their voices and treatment priorities in a comprehensive legal advance care plan that is secure in the cloud and available 24/7 anywhere in the world. MyDirectives also features a Discussion Guide and Conversation Starters to help people have discussions with providers, family and healthcare agents and also offers a new mobile app.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – The National Alliance for Care at Home is the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States.

Caring Connections is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that provides free resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care before a crisis.

National Institute on Aging Advance Care – Planning Tip Sheet that offers advice on advance care planning including helpful descriptions and definitions of medical situations that may occur and tips for considering decisions around treatment

Online Living Will Registries:

Prepare for Your Care – This website, developed by geriatricians and other medical professionals, walks people through basic steps in Advance Care Planning and provides prompts and videos to help them get started. Information is available in English and Spanish.

Helpful Videos:

Download Advance Directive Form

Advance Directives Talk to Your Doctor

Maine’s Advance Directive Form

What Matters Most? Advance Care Planning Checklist

Your Conversation Starter Kit

Planned Giving

Planned giving is a way to contribute to Central Maine Medical Center, Bridgton Hospital or Rumford Hospital through charitable donations made as part of your financial or estate planning. These gifts allow you to support our mission in a meaningful way, while also potentially providing financial benefits to you and your loved ones.

Please let us know if you have already included Central Maine Healthcare in your estate planning, or if you are considering doing so. Thank you.
Planned Giving Intention Form

Planned gifts can come in many forms, including:

Retirement Plans: You can designate a Central Maine Healthcare hospital as a beneficiary of your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts, which may provide tax benefits to you or your estate.

Bequests: A gift made through your will or living trust. You can designate a specific amount or percentage of your estate to support one of our hospitals.

Charitable Gift Annuities: In exchange for a donation, you receive fixed, regular payments for life, and the remaining gift goes to one of our hospitals after your passing.

Charitable Remainder Trusts: These allow you to transfer assets into a trust, receive income during your lifetime, and designate the remainder to benefit one of our hospitals.

Life Insurance: By naming [Hospital Name] as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you can make a significant future gift while maintaining your premiums during your lifetime.

How to Start Your Planned Giving Journey

Consult with Your Financial Advisor
We recommend working with your financial advisor to determine the best type of planned gift for your financial situation and goals.

Contact Our Office of Philanthropy
We can provide resources, including sample bequest language, and connect you with legal and financial professionals if needed.

Make Your Gift
Once you’ve decided how you’d like to give, we will work with you to ensure that your gift is set up in a way that fulfills your wishes and benefits the hospital.For more information on planned giving, including guidance on how to shape your bequest language, please reach out to:

Lisa LaVallee
Phone: (207) 795-2685
Email: giving@cmhc.org

Together, we can help you make a meaningful difference.