CANDIDATE PROFILE: Karen McLean

As election day approaches, voters are seeking information to guide their decisions about the candidates running for public office. In this series of candidate profiles, we aim to provide insights into the individuals running for local, state, and federal positions. Karen McLean is running for the position of County Hospital (WinnMed) Trustee. The position is the latest in a long history of leadership roles. Outside of these roles, McLean enjoys outdoor activities, and shared with DecorahNews.com her favorite local spot to get some fresh air. DN: What position or office are you running for? KM: County Hospital (WinnMed) Trustee DN: What is your educational background?KM:Bachelor's in Physical Therapy from UW-Madison, Master's in Clinical Exercise Physiology from UW-La Crosse, and a PhD in Exercise Science (Exercise Physiology emphasis) from Arizona State University. UW-La Crosse faculty member and later college Dean; Provost at Des Moines University. DN: What professional or personal experiences do you have that qualify you for this position or office? KM: My background as a health care provider, a healthcare educator, and an administrator at a health sciences university has given me not only knowledge of the US health care system but an awareness of the challenges faced by rural hospitals such as WinnMed. My many years as a higher education administrator have provided me with the collaborative and teamwork skills necessary to be a contributing member of an effective board. Currently, I have completed extensive continuing education in board governance and am a certified hospital trustee under the Iowa Hospital Association's Trustee Certification Program and serve as Vice Chair of the Board. DN: What community organizations have you been involved with? KM: I serve as a volunteer Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor advising and educating individuals about Medicare. I also served for two years on the City of Decorah's MEU task force. DN: What motivated you to run for office?KM: I believe all individuals, whether they live in an urban or rural area, deserve access to high-quality healthcare. I wish to continue serving on WinnMed's Board of Trustees in order to promote accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for all citizens of Winneshiek County. DN: What hobbies or interests do you have outside of politics? KM: I am very much an outdoors person and enjoy walking and hiking (particularly if accompanied by my dog), cycling on various bike trails and, weather permitting, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. I am an avid reader and take advantage of a variety of lectures and concerts in the area. DN: What's your favorite local spot in Decorah, and why? KM: Pulpit Rock hiking trail - especially on a fall day when one has views of the river and the vibrant colors of the community prairie and surrounding woodlands. DN How do you stay informed about local and national issues? KM: I read the New York Times, Washington Post, Des Moines Register and Decorah News as well as a wide variety of other internet news sources. DN: What three key issues do you hope to address if you are elected? (Or, alternatively, what are the three goals you hope to achieve while elected?)1) Workforce is one of the most important issues facing WinnMed. The Board must assure that our salary and fringe benefit packages are competitive in order to recruit and retain great employees and providers. Assuring that the WinnMed leadership team is maintaining a positive work environment is also key to the retention of our current employees. 2) A second issue is a continued focus on enhancing both the quality and safety of our patient care as well as refining the metrics we use to assess them. 3) Complete a smooth transition as the Management Services Agreement with Mayo sunsets and the Professional Services contract is renegotiated. DN: How would you describe your platform? What issues are you most concerned with? I am most concerned with: 1) the recruitment and retention of primary care and specialty providers. 2) maintenance of financial stability as we continue to grow our physical footprint as well as the services we offer. 3) meeting the health care needs of ALL the citizens of Winneshiek county - regardless of age, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity or language spoken. Editor's Note: This candidate profile is intended to inform voters and aid in their research ahead of the election on November 5. It does not serve as a political endorsement of any candidate or party. If you are a candidate and would like to submit your own profile for publication, please contact breanna@decorahnews.com.