This year’s Great Candy Exchange will be hosted by Homer Medical Center (4136 Bartlett St) from 3:00 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 3. Kids aged 10 and under are invited to bring their Halloween candy, weigh it on a big scale, and trade it in for fun prizes. During their visit, kids can also get their free flu shots, and families can learn how to access their records in VacTrAK, Alaska’s online vaccine records database.
Board of Directors
South Peninsula Hospital, Inc. is non-profit organization governed by a board of directors made up of residents of the southern Kenai Peninsula hospital service area. The Board welcomes and encourages community input for the direction of your hospital, and invites you to contact them via email or attend a Board of Directors meeting either in person or on Zoom.
Monthly Board meetings are generally held on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. There is usually one combined meeting for November/December. Check the events calendar for the updated schedule. The public is welcome to attend the meetings virtually via Zoom, or in-person in the hospital conference rooms, located just inside Entrance B, at the top of Bartlett Street. Meeting agendas, minutes and packets can be found in the resources section on this page. Agendas are posted on Friday, the week before the meeting. Packets are generally posted to the website on the Monday prior to the Board meetings.
Board members are appointed to three-year terms upon submitting an application, completing an interview process with the board’s Governance Committee, then by adoption by the board. Being a hospital board member is a serious responsibility with unexpected rewards. The opportunity to work with fellow community members to make important decisions for the future care of our families and neighbors is a challenge worth the time and energy required. Many different factors contribute to an ideal board member, from range of experience to one’s commitment to the hospital’s mission of providing personalized, high quality, locally coordinated healthcare. The application process is open year-round. If you are interested in applying, please review the materials in the resources section or contact us at sphbod@sphosp.org.
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Aaron Weisser, President
First Appointed: 01/01/2022
Term Expires: 12/31/2027
Occupation: Pastor
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Preston Simmons, Vice President
First Appointed: 01/01/2024
Term Expires: 12/31/2026
Occupation: Retired Hospital CEO
Preston retired from the Providence Health System as the Chief Executive of its Alaska Region after a 38-year career as a senior executive serving in a variety of roles throughout Alaska, Washington and Arizona. Preston is a mission and service-minded community member who has been part of over 40 boards, associations and professional organizations in his career. He holds a Doctor of Science degree in Health Services Leadership from the University of Alabama Birmingham and undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Washington. Preston is married to Jill and they have two sons. Preston and Jill believe strongly in giving back to the community and continuing to work in making Homer a great place to live, work and play.
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Mike Dye, Treasurer
First Appointed: 09/01/0024
Term Expires: 12/31/2026
Occupation: Banking (VP/Branch Manager)
Mike and his wife Jennifer are life-long Alaskans. They raised their four children here in Homer, two of whom were born at South Peninsula Hospital. Mike spent his high school years in Kenai and commercial fished while in high school and college. He started his career in banking immediately after college and moved to Homer in 1994. In 2018 Mike joined Northrim Bank, initially opening the first Kenai peninsula branch in Soldotna, then transferring to their Homer Branch in August, 2024. In addition to his 20+ years in banking, Mike worked for ten years as CFO/CEO at Land’s End Resort.
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Mary E. (Beth) Wythe, Secretary
First Appointed: 01/01/2020
Term Expires: 12/31/2027
Occupation: Retired HR/Administration
Beth is a long-term resident of Homer and understands the value of quality medical services. Her past public service includes 12 years on the Homer City Council, with four as mayor. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and has worked in the Human Resources field for over 30-years. She is retired from Homer Electric Association.
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Jim Anderson, Board Member
First Appointed: 01/01/2026
Term Expires: 12/31/2028
Occupation: Holding Company Manager
Jim was born at South Peninsula Hospital, raised in Homer and he considers Homer as his hometown. He lived outside for some time, but he and his family (including grandchildren) are back to stay. He has a vested interest and passion for responsible growth for the hospital and the community in general, especially as related to an aging population. He is an integral member of the arts and business communities, currently serving as a board member for both the Homer Council on the Arts and Homer Chamber of Commerce.
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Matthew Bullard, Board Member
First Appointed: 01/01/2024
Term Expires: 12/31/2026
Occupation: Dental Practice Manager
Matthew Bullard grew up in coastal Massachusetts, where the allure of the sea shaped his early years. After graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Matthew transitioned into a distinguished career with the US Navy, flying as a Naval Flight Officer in the E-2D Hawkeye for nine years. Following military service, Matthew and his wife, Anne, sought a tranquil place to build their life and raise their family. Their search led them to Homer, a community that resonated with their aspirations and lifestyle. Here they purchased the Homer Dental Center, which they manage collectively. He and Anne, along with their young son and daughter, cherish time in the outdoors.
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Ken Ciccoli, Board Member
First Appointed: 01/01/2026
Term Expires: 12/31/2028
Occupation: Attorney
Ken formerly worked as a cancer pathology lab manager, and remains interested in medicine. He has benefited from care at South Peninsula Hospital and wants to lend his knowledge and experience to help support the hospital. He has served on the board of the Homer Softball Association, Fisheries for the Future and 49 Forward. He is the founding partner and CEO of Inlet Law.
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Kim Frost, Board Member
First Appointed: 01/01/2025
Term Expires: 12/31/2027
Occupation: Educational Professional
A long-time Alaskan, Kim Frost has called Homer home since 2004. Holding a PhD in Educational Psychology and Instructional Design, she serves as the Educational Technology, Innovation and Learning Design Lead at Kenai Peninsula College. Dr. Frost is deeply committed to the future of the Southern Kenai Peninsula, and believes that access to quality healthcare is a critical part of a thriving community.
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Edson Knapp, MD
First Appointed: 03/01/2020
Term Expires: 12/31/2028
Occupation: Radiologist
Medical School: University of South Florida
Fellowship Trained in Oncologic Imaging and Interventional Radiology
Board-Certified in Radiology -
Christopher Landess, MD
First Appointed: 05/01/2024
Term Expires: 12/01/2027
Occupation: Emergency Medicine Physician