“I have a deep-seated belief a hospital CEO should live in and be a part of the community his or her hospital serves,” says Nancy Schmid, who recently took over as CEO of Healdsburg District Hospital and the North Sonoma County Healthcare District. “Our health care district covers the area from Windsor to Cloverdale. My family and I live in Dry Creek Valley, near Healdsburg, just a short drive from the hospital. We’ve only been here since July of this year, but we’re already involved in our community.”
Schmid, who grew up in Pueblo, Colo., and Gallup, N.M., came to HDH from Kingfisher Regional Hospital in Oklahoma, where she was also CEO. Asked why she enjoys her work, Schmid answers, “I enjoy getting to know patients and their struggles and making their health care experience better.”
What got you interested in health care administration?
My (now) teenage daughter was born with major health issues, and our insurance company dropped our coverage when the cost hit the $1 million mark. I had to switch health care companies to be insurable. Having this experience helps me understand the plight of the uninsured and underinsured, because I’ve personally experienced the frustration and uncertainty they’re going through.
Do you have a big family?
I have nine brothers and sisters, all of whom have families of their own, many of whom live in California. My husband and I have two daughters at home, ages seven and 17. Our son is 20 and attends Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
What was your first job?
At the age of eight, I sold newspapers at the state fair in Colorado. I’ve worked at Dairy Queen, Maverick Grocery Store, as a nurse aid, and worked my way up to CEO.
What do you love to do outside of work?
All of our activities away from work revolve around the kids: sports events, ballet and Girl Scouts. I also love a good book.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Donny Osmond
What’s your favorite jelly bean flavor?
I hate jelly beans. Give me an orange Starburst any day.
Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?
Definitely a dog person. I’m terribly allergic to cats.
Describe the worst thing you ever had to wear to school.
When I was in the third grade, my mother bought us colorful knit outfits for Christmas, but my sisters got all the good colors. I was horribly embarrassed, because mine was Big Bird yellow and I was teased unmercifully in school.
If you could solve one unsolved crime or mystery, what would you want to know?
I recently visited the John F. Kennedy museum in Dallas. I wonder if there really was a conspiracy behind his assassination.
Is there a motto that sums up your management style?
I believe in empowering people at the level the decision needs to be made.
What person do you admire most and why?
Mother Theresa, because she truly had the gift of only seeing the best in everything.
What’s the most unusual food you’ve ever eaten?
I recently tried sea urchins at a restaurant in Healdsburg and was surprised at how delicious they were.
What do you consider your best quality?
My sense of humor.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I think as my staff gets to know me, they’ll be surprised to learn how funny I am.
