The community is cordially invited to a reception at the University of Washington’s Olympic Natural Resources Center to meet and welcome the new ONRC Center Director Professor David Ford and the new Forks Community Hospital Chief Executive Officer and Administrator Mr. Bill McMillan. The community is invited to drop in anytime between 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 5, at the ONRC, 1455 S. Forks Avenue (Forks). For questions or further information, call Ellen Matheny at 374-4556.

David Ford is a professor of forest ecology in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. He teaches classes on the principles of silviculture and their application and maintains offices in both Seattle and Forks. The ecology of the Olympic Peninsula has long held an interest for Professor Ford. His research focuses on the dynamics of foliage canopies to gain a greater understanding of their overall productivity. He was appointed to direct the ONRC in June 2012.

Bill McMillan was hired on December 3, 2012, as chief executive officer at the Forks Community Hospital. McMillan is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience in diverse leadership roles. Prior to joining Forks Community Hospital, McMillan served as chief executive officer for Curry Health District in Gold Beach, Oregon, where he led its critical access hospital and integrated health system.

The Forks Community Hospital serves west Clallam County and west Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula. The hospital consists of a 15-bed full service acute care facility, 20-bed long-term care facility, and outpatient clinic services.