Palomar Health Foundation announces new members of board of directors

SAN MARCOS – Palomar Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides philanthropic support to Palomar Health, has selected two new members to its board of directors. At a Sept. 29 meeting, the board voted to appoint Pauline Gourdie of Del Sur and Jason Polk of Rancho Bernardo to three-year terms.

Pauline Gourdie is a business consultant with a background in international supply chain management, customer relations and recruitment. She established CSL Staffing in 2016 to provide staffing solutions for businesses in San Diego and Southern California. A native of Scotland, Gourdie is a supporter of numerous local nonprofits, including California Center for the Arts, YMCA, Feeding San Diego and San Diego Rescue Mission. She also serves as CEO of a nonprofit she established in memory of her late brothers that supports veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and drug-related dependency issues. Gourdie is a member of the board of directors of Dalrada Financial, an Escondido-based company developing innovative manufacturing and health care solutions.

Jason Polk is a financial adviser at Edward Jones in Rancho Bernardo with more than 25 years of experience in investments and insurance. He specializes in estate and legacy planning, retirement strategies, college savings and insurance and annuities. Originally from Montana, Polk is a longtime San Diego resident and graduated from San Diego State University. He is an avid golfer and volunteer in Rancho Bernardo.

Other directors currently serving on the Palomar Health Foundation board are: Diana Brady, Rancho Bernardo; Nelly Bulkin, Rancho Bernardo; Kirk Effinger, Murrieta; Jon C. Frandell, Fallbrook; Harvey Hershkowitz, Rancho Bernardo; Tina Inscoe, Escondido; Dr. Osman Khawar, Carlsbad; Charles "Andy" Mathews, Pauma Valley; Tom Oeschger, Bonsall; Jaime Rivas, Escondido; Tishmall Turner, Encinitas; David Wilson, Escondido, and Kim Young, San Marcos.

Directors represent a wide variety of backgrounds, industries and communities in North County and play a critical role in raising funds for Palomar Health's most pressing needs. The board regularly evaluates its composition to ensure its volunteer directors have the right skills and experience to further the work of the foundation.

Wayne Herron, Palomar Health Foundation's vice president of philanthropy and chief philanthropy officer, said, "In the 2020 fiscal year, the foundation transferred $3.6 million to help equip Palomar Health with the tools and resources it needs to perform at the highest level. That's a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our board members. We're excited that Pauline and Jason have decided to join the board and help us improve the health of this community by volunteering their time and talents."

The foundation's current fundraising priorities include the Physician and Conference Center of the Future, which will provide resting space for on-call doctors and meeting space at Palomar Medical Center Escondido.

Submitted by Palomar Health Foundation.