GUTTMAN ROOM DEDICATED AT MVH

In keeping with a longstanding tradition of honoring present and past Board leaders of Monongahela Valley Hospital and its parent company, Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc., the health system has rededicated and renamed another room in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center in recognition of Alan R. Guttman.

Lauding Guttman for his “commitment and distinguished service” to the health system and the community, the Alan R. Guttman Room was formally dedicated August 15 in ceremonies at the ECC.

“It is most appropriate that this room be rededicated in recognition of Mr. Guttman,” Louis J. Panza Jr., president and chief executive officer of Monongahela Valley Hospital, said. “In his role as chairman of our boards, and throughout his distinguished tenure on the boards, he has led the support we have received from the boards in our efforts to make education an integral part of our goals and ideals to improve the health of the residents of our community.”

Guttman, chief executive officer of Guttman Oil Company in Speers, served as chairman of the MVH and MVHR boards from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007. He succeeded the late Dr. Julia Ann (Judy) Ansill in both positions following her death on March 16, 2005.

Guttman, a member of the Executive Committee of both boards, has served on the Board of Directors of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc. and the Board of Trustees of Monongahela Valley Hospital, Inc. since April 1987.

Throughout his tenure, he has served on numerous committees including service as chairman of the Finance and Medical committees. He was elected secretary of both boards in 1999 and served in that position until 2001, when he was elected vice chairman of both boards.

Although he stepped down as chairman in June, he remains a member of both boards.

“Mr. Guttman’s service and leadership with our boards exemplify the true meaning of commitment and dedication,” Panza said. “His expertise in business, finance and law has been a tremendous asset to our health system. He has taken the lead on many programs and projects and has given his time so unselfishly to our hospital and our community.”

The personalization of the Education Conference Center began in June 2004 when rooms were rededicated and renamed in honor of:

• Dr. Ansill, who served as chairman of both boards from July 1, 2001 until the time of her death in 2005.

• Attorney William J. Miller Jr., who served as chairman of both boards from 1996-2001.

• Joseph U. Frye, who served as chairman of the Board of Directors from 1985-1991 and chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1991-1996.

• Michael J. Skirpan Jr., who served as chairman of the Hospital Board from 1985 to 1991 and as chairman of the MVHR Board of Directors from 1991-1996.

The Education Conference Center, which opened in 1989 and which was renamed and rededicated in recognition and honor of Lombardi in 2002, serves as a “valuable community resource,” Panza said. More than 24,000 people – hospital staff and the general public – use the facility each year for a variety of educational programs and wellness screenings.

The action renaming the Education Conference Center’s rooms is in keeping with a tradition recognizing Board leaders at Monongahela Valley Hospital.

The hospital’s sixth floor, which houses medical/surgical units, is named in honor of the late Carl A. Breuer, who served as the first president of the new hospital’s Board of Trustees from 1972-1974.

The Edward J. Protin Memorial Award, one of the hospital’s most prestigious honors, is named in honor of the late Edward J. Protin, who served as president of the Board of Trustees from 1974 to 1979.

The Pallone Award for Board Leadership, which is presented at the hospital’s annual Gala, is named in honor of the late Dr. Joseph J. Pallone, who served as president of the Board of Trustees from 1979 to 1985 and who also served as president of the MVHR Board of Directors from its inception in 1982 until the time of his death in 1985. The atrium in the main lobby of the hospital also is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Pallone.

Guttman, Dr. Ansill, Miller, Skirpan and Frye are all past recipients of the Pallone Award.