09/24/2025
Dahl Memorial’s Annual Meeting Celebrates Progress, Honors Staff, and Confirms Board Results
EKALAKA, Mont. At the Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association (DMHA) annual meeting on Sept. 18 at the Event Center, leaders and association members celebrated a year of meaningful progress and expressed deep gratitude to Carter County’s community, the hospital’s dedicated staff, and the board for strong direction.
CEO Darrell Messersmith reported a clear financial turnaround, with an operating loss improving from $748,000 to approximately $106,000 and revenue reaching about $10.2 million. Messersmith highlighted continued gains in access and affordability (340B pharmacy improvements, streamlined charity care, online bill pay and point-of-service collections), expanded remote diagnostics (remotely managed CT now live and 24/7 teleradiology coming), and strong emergency readiness—with a reminder to call 911 in emergencies. CMO Carla Dowdy emphasized “Clinical Excellence—Local Care,” introduced Christine Seals, MD, as Medical Director, and outlined plans to expand provider-based home visits and specialty access via telemedicine. DON Katie Stieg highlighted nursing education, simulations, and a neighbors-caring-for-neighbors model that keeps care personal and close to home.
Employee milestones (years of service):
45 years: Cindy Enos
25 years: Patricia “Patty” Rogers
10 years: Willow Beach; Alexandra (“Alex”) Lovec, MSN, APRN/FNP-C
5 years: Karen Cheguis; Patricia Dagen; Diane Douglas; Scott Elmore; Marianne Geer; Kristen Moore
Board election results: A total of 80 ballots were cast (26 proxies). Vote totals were Rusty Spencer (incumbent) 69, Marilyn Schultz (incumbent) 48, Charles Parks 26, and Jennifer Williams 16. Rusty Spencer and Marilyn Schultz were elected to new three-year terms.
“Dahl Memorial is stronger because of this community,” Messersmith said. “We’re grateful for your trust and proud to keep high-quality care close to home.”
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