Jere D. Patzer has been appointed board chairman-elect for Adventist Health's Board of Directors, according to outgoing chairman Thomas J. Mostert, who recently announced his retirement. Patzer, who has served as vice chairman for 11 years, will assume his new role Jan. 1, 2008.

"I am confident that Jere will be a thoughtful and committed leader for Adventist Health's Board of Directors," stated Mostert, Pacific Union Conference president. "The board unanimously voted him in as chair, which speaks to the level of commitment and leadership he has displayed to Adventist Health for more than two decades."

Since 1996, Patzer has served as the North Pacific Union Conference president. He also represents the North Pacific Union Conference to the North American Division. In addition to his board service with Adventist Health, Patzer also chairs the board of Walla Walla University.

"I want to thank Tom for his 21 years of leadership to the Adventist Health board and welcome Jere to his new role," stated Robert G. Carmen, president-elect of Adventist Health. "All of our board members are very committed to ensuring the mission of Adventist Health, and I appreciate their dedicated service to our organization."

In other board news, Adventist Health's membership recently reappointed several board members to new three-year terms. Those members include Christine Friestad, Esq., San Diego, Calif.; Don Livesay, Oregon Conference president; and Wes Rippey, M.D., Adventist Medical Center chief of staff, Portland, Ore.