Powered by the People | Impulsado por la gente

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026! 

Stepping into a new year is always cause for reflection. Amid the troubles and challenges of the wider world today, I more than ever feel tremendous gratitude for the community we have in northern Sonoma County. Your ongoing support, engagement, and good humor fill me with optimism for what we can continue to grow here, in our part of the world.

It is collective commitment that makes our work possible. Together with our entire community of supporters and volunteers, that commitment is modeled daily by our wonderful Board of Directors. I’d like to offer heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Board members—Montse Archila, Ann Elston, and Anne Morrion Rousseau—for their dedicated service and outstanding leadership. 

Their time, insight, and generosity have helped guide our organization through an important chapter whose influence on the health and wellbeing of our region  is reflected in our recent Impact Report and Strategic Plan. I speak for everyone at the Healthcare Foundation, and all those individuals and organizations we serve, when I say we are deeply grateful for the impact they’ve made.

At the same time, I’m excited to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors this year: Vicky Farrow, James Gibboney, and Sarah Senestraro. Each brings unique experience, perspective, and energy, and we’re thrilled and deeply appreciative to have them join us.

Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing each of them right here, beginning this month with Vicky Farrow. As you’ll read below, Vicky and her late husband Mike have been supporters of the Healthcare Foundation practically from the beginning. In addition to her considerable professional experience and savvy, Vicky brings the perspective of someone who has seen and championed the evolution of the organization. We are truly fortunate to have her joining our Board.

As we begin this new year, I look forward to all we’ll accomplish together for the region we call home, and I thank you for your continued support. 

Together, I know we’ll make it a year of progress, connection, and possibility.

With gratitude,

Amy Ramirez
Executive Director

---

Welcoming New Board Member Vicky Farrow

The Healthcare Foundation is delighted to welcome Vicky Farrow to our Board of Directors this year. Vicky is one of three new Board members beginning their term this month, joining Jim Gibboney and Sarah Senestraro (each of whom we look forward to featuring in upcoming issues of this newsletter).

As a longtime Healdsburg resident and seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and community leader, Vicky brings strategic leadership, organizational insight, and deep local commitment to the Foundation’s Board. CEO and co-founder of Amista Vineyards in Healdsburg—a longtime Healthcare Hero Community Partner—Vicky draws on a distinguished earlier career in the technology sector, where she led large global teams and guided organizations through moments of profound change, from start-up growth to corporate turnarounds.

Over the past two decades, she has also advised and coached leaders across world-class institutions while maintaining a steadfast dedication to nonprofit service in Sonoma County and beyond. Her breadth of experience, thoughtful perspective, and enduring commitment to her community make her a strong, dynamic addition to the Foundation’s leadership team.

Read the Full Article (3 min read)

---

Healthcare Is Love – Drag Brunch is a live benefit event in support of our work year-round to advance health and well-being across northern Sonoma County. The joyful and lively gathering, hosted by THTR Productions, blends camaraderie and fabulous entertainment with the Healthcare Foundation’s mission to improve local access to quality healthcare for all. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Cher’s Lair

Mona Hanes and Kevin Gay
Donna and Eddie Merideth

Culture Club

Adelante Partners
Ingrid Maltrud
Katie Rosson and Gibson Scheid
The SCAN Foundation
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Jenny Wilson