Columbus Community Hospital Welcomes New Board Members
Columbus Community Hospital recently welcomed two new members to its board of directors. Craig Pekny, MD and John Pavlik will fill the roles previously held by Jeff Gotschall, MD and Clark Lehr.
"Columbus Community Hospital is blessed to have had Dr. Jeffrey Gotschall and Clark Lehr play major roles in the success of our hospital, serving the board for more than a decade," said Jeff Gokie, current board chair.
Dr. Gotschall first served as director of medical staff on the board in 1999 as head physician. He was involved in the pivotal decision to move the hospital to its current location on 48th Avenue. He also played significant roles in expanding facilities and services, elevating care in the community and planning for the Columbus Fieldhouse. During his time on the board, Gotschall served as chairman of the board from 2013 to 2015. He was also involved in all committees and served on the Joint Wellness Operating Committee of the Columbus Area YMCA.
Lehr joined the hospital board in May 2010, providing leadership and direction in the hospital's service expansion, quality of care and financial stability. He filled positions on all committees and served as the board chair from 2017 to 2019. Lehr then served an additional three-year term at the board's request. Gokie said he appreciates Lehr's extra time on the board and said the hospital and Columbus community benefitted from his extended service.
"We can always count on our board members to stay true to our hospital's mission, vision, and values and keep us moving in the right direction," said Mike Hansen, president and CEO of the hospital. "Both Dr. Jeff Gotschall and Clark Lehr were excellent board chairs during their tenure and provided very strong leadership and sound decision making for many years. I am confident Dr. Craig Pekny and John Pavlik will bring their knowledge, skills and individualized expertise to the board room table."
Pavlik accepted the invitation to join the hospital's board of directors at the beginning of May 2022. Pavlik and his family have lived in Columbus for 16 years, and he is heavily involved with the community through his children's sporting events and activities and his volunteer work. He has served as a sponsor family for God Parents, a RockTalk leader for Scotus Central Catholic and Steubenville's group leader.
Pavlik is a loan officer and vice president/branch manager at First Nebraska Bank. He serves on various boards throughout the community, including as the secretary and vice president for the Platte County Extension board and the Shadows homeowners' association board. He is also the current president of the Friends of Music board and co-chair for the 2022 Taste of Columbus.
Dr. Pekny is a Columbus native who returned to care for the people of Columbus when he accepted a position with Columbus Medical Center. Pekny attended medical school and completed his residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, watching baseball and spending time with his family.
"We look forward to working with Dr. Craig Pekny and John Pavlik as new members of the CCH board of directors," said Julie Haney, CCH board member. "They are community leaders with a strong culture of service, and they have a strong desire to help make decisions that will improve the health of our community and the surrounding area."
Pekny and Pavlik will serve three three-year terms on the board of directors, ending in 2031. The length of these terms emphasizes the commitment board members make — not only to the hospital, but also to their community.
For more information on Columbus Community Hospital's board of directors, visit www.columbushosp.org.
Jeff Gotschall, MD
Pavlik, John
Lehr, Clark.
Craig Pekny, MD