The Mountains Community Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan “Sparky” Sparks as the new president of the Foundation’s board of directors. Sparks succeeds Peter Venturini, who joined the board in 2017 and served as president beginning in 2022.
Venturini will remain on the board as past president, continuing to support the Foundation and its mission.
The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Venturini for his service and commitment to supporting Mountains Community Hospital. During his tenure as board president, he helped guide the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts and strengthen its impact in the mountain communities the hospital serves, helping raise approximately $3 million in support of the hospital.
“Peter treated his board presidency like a full-time job. We were in close contact for three years, navigated countless challenges and raised significant funds,” said Kim McGuire, Foundation executive director. “He was instrumental in bringing us to where we are today – raising $1 million or more each year. I will always be grateful for his support and the passion and expertise he brought to the Foundation.”
Sparks brings a deep personal and professional connection to the healthcare community. Her father served as chief of staff at Riverside General Hospital when it was located on Magnolia Avenue and later played an instrumental role in relocating the hospital to Moreno Valley, where it became Riverside Regional Medical Center. Her mother was also actively involved in hospital philanthropy, volunteering in the hospital boutique and participating in what is now recognized as the hospital auxiliary.
“Sparky’s passion for healthcare, her leadership experience and her lifelong connection to hospitals make her an outstanding choice to lead the Foundation,” McGuire added. “I’m thrilled to begin this next chapter with Sparky. Her passion for the hospital and our community makes her the perfect partner as we take on the challenges ahead.”
Sparks earned a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance and later completed a Master’s degree in Psychology with a School Counseling credential. Her leadership and community service experience includes serving as president of the PTA at Redlands East Valley High School and president of the National Charity League, San Bernardino Chapter.“I’m honored to serve as president of the Mountains Community Hospital Foundation Board,” said Sparks. “Hospitals have always been close to my heart and I look forward to working with the board and community to support the hospital and the people it serves.”
The Mountains Community Hospital Foundation supports Mountains Community Hospital through fundraising, community partnerships and philanthropic initiatives that enhance healthcare services for residents and visitors in the San Bernardino mountain communities. The Foundation’s board of directors is composed of dedicated community members committed to ensuring access to high-quality healthcare in the mountain region. Everyone who joins the Foundation’s board is passionate about the hospital and is deeply committed to making it a better place.
In addition to Sparks and Venturini, the Foundation’s executive committee includes
Mark Turner, MCH CEO; Yvonne Waggener, treasurer; Kim McGuire, secretary; and Jack Herson, Bob Malone, Rob Roy, Lynne Wilson and Gloria Wolen.
Board members include Tom Bachman, Dennis Brown, Amy Doutt, Leslie Marks, Bob Mattison, Howard Miller, Don Mitchell, Lori Newman, Neale Perkins, Dennis Popka, Midge Reisman, Ines Stewart and Ronalyn Walker.
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