Johnson Resigns

Trustee Nick Johnson resigns from hospital board

Mary Stroka

NLJ Reporter

Weston County Hospital District’s board is seeking a new trustee to replace Nick Johnson, the board’s secretary, who submitted his resignation letter, as the board noted at its Sept. 19 meeting. His term ends in May 2026.

Board Chair Ann Slagle said at the meeting that she understood Johnson’s reasoning, which was not announced publicly, but she is sad that he resigned.

“He was a valuable member of the team,” she said.

Trustee Nathan Ballard said it sounded like Johnson made “the right choice.”

“I know he had a lot of back and forth, but he got to the point where he just knew he couldn’t give this the attention it deserved, and so it’s regrettable that he’s not with us, but I think his reasonings were very good,” he said. “He should be very proud of what he did on the board.”

Kari Drost, the board’s treasurer, moved, “with a heavy heart,” for the board to accept Johnson’s resignation “and offer him all of the things that all of us can imagine for all the work that he did on this board.”

Johnson said in his resignation letter that his resignation was effective Sept. 8.

“Unfortunately, due to the increasing demands of my master’s program and work commitments, I can no longer fully dedicate the time and energy required for this role,” the letter said. “It would be a disservice to those who elected me and to my colleagues on the board if I continued without being able to provide the total commitment necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.”

Johnson also included advice for the board. 

“Serving on this board and meeting wonderful people throughout the organization has been an honor,” he said. “I firmly believe that the board’s success depends on our shared focus on communication, education, and training from top to bottom. A commitment to developing skills at every level of the organization is essential for achieving our mission. The board must continue actively supporting the CEO in achieving the hospital’s vision. By fostering a strong partnership between the board and executive leadership, we set an example of leadership and ensure our strategic goals are realized.”

At the same time, Johnson expressed confidence in the board and whoever will fill the vacancy.

“I am confident that my successor will bring the time and dedication required for this role,” he said. “I have full faith in the board’s ability to guide the hospital forward with the focus, training, and support needed to achieve its vision and mission.”

Johnson told the News Letter Journal that in addition to taking a master’s course currently, he is dedicated to his work at Weston County School District No. 7, where he teaches social studies and coaches multiple sports.

“With all the work ahead at Weston County Health Services, I felt I could not dedicate the time necessary for the board role,” he said. “It is disappointing, considering that I was elected to do the job.”

Johnson said he’s optimistic about the hospital’s future, and board members should support and work alongside the current CEO and future ones to bolster “a culture of progress.”

“I am fully confident that the current leadership team is invested in ensuring the future of the facility,” he said.

In filling the vacancy, Drost said the board should have an open and transparent process.

“The community should be very involved,” she said.

Applications are due to Denice Pisciotti, executive assistant, by 4 p.m. on Oct. 11. 

Pisciotti told the NLJ that the application will be posted on the hospital’s website’s news and information page. They can also be picked up at the hospital’s main reception desk, inside the main, front entrance. The hospital is at 1124 Washington Blvd., Newcastle.

Drost told the NLJ that the form for candidates to complete is short. Candidates must attest that they are a registered voter and a hospital district resident. Candidates can drop into Pisciotti’s office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays or call her, at 307-746-3755, if another time is necessary.

The board will determine the procedure for selecting a candidate based on how many people apply.

The board elected trustee Mary Rankin as its new secretary.