“We are very pleased at the commitment these individuals are investing into North Valley Hospital and their communities,” said Jason Spring, CEO. “Both boards share a common goal, which is to assist North Valley Hospital in delivering the best possible family-centered care for the communities we serve. We are grateful for their contributions to our future.”

Steven Stahlberg brings 22 years of consulting and business financial background to help guide the hospital through the ever changing regulatory and financial situations facing the organization. In addition to his financial background, he joins the board with a variety of community interests that complement the Planetree healthcare philosophy. Of those interests, he serves as a board member for the Glacier Symphony and Chorale, Braveheart Chaplain Ministry and Montana Community Finance Corporation. Stahlberg is the former president of the Three Rivers EMS board and served two terms. He also was elected to serve on the Semitool Board of Directors. A graduate of the University of Montana with a Business Administration degree in 1989, he became a staff accountant for ten years at two Flathead Valley CPA firms prior to establishing Stahlberg and Sutherland CPA in 1999.

Speaking for the North Valley Hospital Foundation, Karin Olsen, Foundation Executive Director, said: “We stand in position of accomplishing great things with the addition of the incredible talent that we have added with these four community leaders. These individuals will be instrumental in our ‘Legacy of Caring’ campaign, which will build on North Valley Hospital’s planned giving endowment program. The campaign aims to build dollars to fund the future expansion of healthcare services at North Valley Hospital.”

The Akey name is familiar to the North Valley Hospital family and the Whitefish area. Josh Akey lives in and is very committed to Whitefish and believes North Valley Hospital provides a positive impact to the community. Akey graduated from the University of Montana with a business management degree in 1998 and returned to Whitefish to put his degree to work. His background in financial planning and investments will be put to good use in the Foundation’s planned giving campaign. In addition to the NVH Foundation Board, Akey is a board member for the EA Hinderman Foundation and is involved with the Whitefish High School Booster Club.

Lance Fahrney’s years of sales and publishing will serve the Foundation with grass roots needs and fundraising. After graduating from the Baldwin-Wallace College in Cleveland Ohio, Fahrney worked for various scuba diving magazines for nearly 15 years before venturing from the glossy print to newsprint as advertising director at the Vail Daily Newspaper. He also worked closely with the Vail Medical Center when living in Vail, Colorado. It was in Vail where he gained the experience of working in a resort market for a free newspaper that piqued the interest of the Flathead Beacon owners. In 2009, Fahrney accepted his position as General Manager of the Beacon who also serves on the Flathead Beacon’s board. He also serves as the VP of his church board and is an outdoor enthusiast enjoying skiing, boating, biking, hiking, camping and golf.

Nick Polumbus brings a wealth of communication, marketing and business experience along with passion and energy for the community. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a BA in Communication and MA in Business Administration. He began his career at Killington ski resort, in Vermont, and held several positions over the years including: Community Relations Manager, Advertising Manager, Merchandising Manager, Interactive Manager and Marketing Director. He accepted his current position at Whitefish Mountain Resort in 2007.

In addition to his job at the resort, Polumbus is the Chairman of the Board of the Whitefish Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as well as the President of the Board of the Montana Ski Areas Association. He also sits on the Advisory Board for the Flathead Beacon and the Board of Directors for the non-profit organizations For The Children, Alpine Theater Company and the Children's House Montessori School.

Alan Warrick, retired financial services executive and entrepreneur, looks forward to contributing to the North Valley Hospital Foundation and serving his community. A 1970 Graduate of the University of Arkansas with a B.A. in Economics, Warrick served for fifteen years as Managing Director for Strategic Business Development with AEGON USA Financial Services Group until his retirement in 2010. Prior to his tenure with AEGON, he served in various executive positions with Merrill Lynch. He also is a former President, Chief Executive Officer Transamerica Worksite Marketing, a member of the AEGON Group and also served as Managing Director, Corporate Investment and Insurance Services of AEGON.

Currently, Warrick serves as a consultant to AEGON USA and is a Sr. Advisor/Advisory Board Member of Lovell Minnick Equity Partners with a focus on the Financial Services sector.