Healthcare district searches for new administrator

Fallbrook Healthcare District (FHD) has begun the search for a new executive director, since Vi Dupre, who has held the position for almost 11 years, has announced she will retire on Jan. 4, 2016 after spending 48 years in health-related fields.

"Vi's shoes are going to be hard to fill," said Gordon Tinker, a board member of 10 years. "The closure of the hospital this year was a big strain, but she held the board together. I don't know how you replace someone who has been willing to work 60 to 80 hours a week; you don't expect someone to put that kind of time in."

Dupre has been the public face of the district and worked to collaborate with other community organizations to enrich, expand, and extend health-focused programs. Her business and financial acumen and experience in managed care has been a strength for the district, but things haven't been easy, especially in recent years.

"The pending and ultimate closure of Fallbrook Hospital has wrought concern, frustration, and some very long hours," admitted Dupre. "The strong board of directors has faced and risen to making difficult decisions. It has honorably faced and is striving to meet its obligation to address and serve the healthcare needs of the community." Dupre said she has faith that the board will continue in its’ endeavors to define and develop a strong and effective medical services community base.

In it's search for a replacement for Dupre, the district has stated it will seek "a collaborative and energetic candidate to bring an extensive experience in identifying health issues needing greater attention and resources to improve the healthcare status of segments of the population." Extensive knowledge of public health issues will be critical.

"The candidate has to have some type of background in healthcare; that's the whole focus of the position," explained Tinker. "That experience could either come from the medical insurance side or employment in another healthcare field."

"We also need someone who is a self-starter, because it's basically a one-person job and that person needs to decide which direction the district needs to go and work with the board on that," added Tinker.

The position carries the oversight responsibility of an approx. $1.5 million budget, a staff of two, and will have to be able to "confidently interact with public officials at the state and local level to combine resources to address community wellness and prevention programs." The new executive director will also need familiarity with commercial leasing and tenant relations as the district is pursuing transitioning it's existing real estate assets into a diverse health services center.

For those who have worked with Dupre over the years, her sense of humor, personal tenacity, and directness of approach will be remembered. In the past, she has been recognized as a North SD County Public Health Champion (2015), been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award (2013, Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce), and named Community Member of the Year (2010, County Parks & Recreation). She was also appointed to the County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board by County Supervisor Bill Horn.

It is to be expected that an individual such as Dupre won't be spending her retirement idly. She admits to wanting to "repurpose" and "redirect" her energies.

"Rocking babies, painting flowers, losing the 50 pounds gained in ten years, college classes with no exams, volunteering and dabbling in theatrical interests, the piano," are a few of her thoughts she shared, in addition to mentioning the potential of some exotic travel.

Writer's note: More information on the open position can be found at http://www.fallbrookhealthcaredistrict.net.