Nancy Wilson takes a challenge as new CEO

Public Record, The, Jun 16, 1995 by Singer, Alan

RANCHO MIRAGE -- "Dealing with a declining revenue base is an issue for all healthcare providers," stated Nancy Wilson, recently appointed chief executive officer of Eisenhower Memorial Hospital. When a decision is necessary to evaluate the cost of "delivering" healthcare, "you don't do it with a crystal ball," she added. "You need solid, reliable data."

"Everyone at Eisenhower has a keen interest in solving problems," Wilson continued. "I see this when we work together as a team. I think we're blessed with a workforce that always puts the patient first."

The Lubbock, Texas native said letters received by Eisenhower's administration run on the positive side by a "ten to one" ratio. "I think the quality of people make the difference wherever you are." She lauded a "cohesive team" of physicians, employees, board members and volunteers, working together toward common goals.

Wilson said the medical center is aiming toward "more spiritual support" for both patients and staff. "When we lose a patient, the staff goes through a grieving process," she explained. "We now have a full-time chaplain for patients and employees. Sometimes we all need to get refocused and regain perspective, as there are crises every day."

After graduating from high school at the age of seventeen, Wilson earned Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing from the University of Oregon, and in psychology from Southern Oregon College.

"In those days, while studying nursing, you stayed during the summer and worked in a hospital," she recounted. "I've worked in hospitals most of my life." Due to this bedside experience, Wilson contends she is not viewing her new responsibilities from "an ivory tower."

Wilson continued her postgraduate studies, later earning a Master's degree in business administration from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. She then served as vice-president for human resources at St. David's Medical Center in Austin which thus far, has been her "longest stint at one particular hospital."

The position there expanded "the interaction side" of the healthcare industry for her. Although Wilson must deal with volumes of paperwork as chief executive officer "it's the people side that I still enjoy the most."

Although her business title reads "CEO," Wilson says "there really is another me."

As a youngster growing up in the Southwest and later in Oregon, "I spent much of my time raising horses and 'rodeoing."

"I broke horses and participated in polebending, barrel racing and calf roping," she said. "It was a great life. There is a side of me that really prefers the blue jeans and boots."

Wilson's father, Clarence, who lives in Rancho Bernardo taught her the radio broadcasting business. At the age of twelve, Wilson became the record librarian for radio stations in Medford and Grants Pass, Oregon.

She says she learned something important from her father right after starting work. "One day I loaded up on pens, pencils and pads and took them home. Although I thought they belonged to the family, my dad chastised me and said, 'They belong to the station, not to you,'" Wilson recounted.

"That experience influenced what others may perceive as my staunch beliefs about right and wrong," she continued. "To this day I would never consider taking a pen from the hospital."

Wilson said the impact of important childhood lessons have influenced her managerial style. "I will always tell you the truth. I might be blunt and straightforward, but I'll be honest in every dealing," she stated. "I learned early that no one is smart enough to tell a lie and have no one notice."

This August, Wilson marks four years as a Coachella Valley resident. "It has become very clear to me that we have more and more full-time residents. The occupancy of the hospital used to decrease dramatically during the summer, but has now leveled out much more."

Not too long ago summer occupancy could dip as low as 40 percent. Wilson told The Public Record the occupancy of Eisenhower's new birthing center reached maximum capacity just last week. "There is definitely a younger population staying all year, and retired people are remaining during the hottest part of the year," she stated.

Wilson is married. Her husband, Art Keller, is a real estate broker associated with Becker Chasen Homes and Gardens Realty in Palm Desert.

She has three children. Her oldest son, Rick Mellish, is a physician's assistant with the U.S. Air Force, while his brother, Scott just completed his Master's degree in physical therapy at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Daughter, Lisa, is an artist who resides in Phoenix.

Wilson hasn't had much opportunity to go horseback riding since she moved to the desert but does take time out to go golfing with her husband "mainly just in the summer" due to the constraints of her work schedule.

It seems her radio broadcasting background continues to play a role in her life -- if only obliquely. Not too long ago, when valley broadcasting executive, Glen Barnett was a patient at Eisenhower, Wilson paid him a special visit. Wilson first met Barnett several years ago when he was an employees at one of her dad's radio stations in McCallister, Oklahoma. "Visiting with him as very special" she said.