Charlie Franz, Board Vice-Chair

Charlie received a Master of Social Work degree with specialization in program administration from the University of Arkansas in 1972 and is board certified in healthcare management by the American College of Healthcare Executives.  He served 25 years in the Army Medical Service Corps in a variety of healthcare administration positions, coming to Alaska in 1993 as the CEO of Bassett Army Hospital in Fairbanks.  He retired from the Army in 1995 at the rank of Colonel and then served as the CEO of South Peninsula Hospital for 12 years.  He retired again and then was asked to serve as the Administrator of Heritage Place nursing home in Soldotna where he worked from 2009 to 2015.  Charlie has been active on the Board of Directors of the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, serving several terms as the Chair of the Acute Care Committee and the Long Term Care Committee; and also serving terms as the Secretary, Vice-Chair, and Chairman of the Board of Directors.  He was the Alaska delegate to the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Council 2004 – 2007.  He has also been active in local community organizations, serving on the Board of Directors of the Homer Chamber of Commerce for six years, including terms as Vice President and President.  Charlie was a member of the Vocational Education Advisory Committee of the Homer High School; a member of the Board of Directors of the Homer Infant Learning Center, and the Kenai Peninsula College Council.  His retirement activities include kayaking, gardening, beekeeping, woodworking, skiing and fishing.  Charlie had wonderful support from Hospice in Arkansas with the death of his mother and in his work in hospitals and nursing homes has seen many examples of how Hospice can help families.