Affiliation
Retired urologist and former Chief Medical Officer at Concord Hospital

Region of Representation
Capital Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
Achieving health, wellness, and recovery from illness is best accomplished in our home environment. For 126 years, Granite VNA has been helping individuals in our communities achieve their health needs in the home setting amongst family and friends. As a physician, I relied on Granite VNA to support my patients after their discharge from hospital and could see first hand the positive impact they had on my patient’s recovery. I also experienced, professionally and personally, Granite VNA's compassion and caring when I had no effective treatments to offer my patients and we transitioned to end-of-life comfort care measures through the Granite VNA Hospice Care Program. It is wonderful to serve Granite VNA by participating on its Board of Trustees as it strives to meet the needs of our communities, now and in years to come.

Affiliation
Director of Human Resources at NAMI New Hampshire

Region of Representation
Capital Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
Having personally experienced the compassionate care of a visiting nurse during my recovery from knee surgery and having witnessed the exceptional hospice support provided to my father, I am deeply moved by the mission of this organization. Serving on the Board is a profound honor and a meaningful way to give back to the team that made such a difference in our lives.

Affiliation
Retired as COO of csONE Benefit Solutions, a subsidiary of Northeast Delta Dental

Region of Representation
Greater Lakes Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
I have been associated with Granite VNA in one capacity or other, for more than 20 years.  I was first asked if I was interested in joining the Board, but I have also had several personal experiences with the organization. Most notably, my favorite Uncle passed away at Hospice House and the staff was amazing. I am proud to be a member of the Board of Trustees and even more proud of the staff of Granite VNA.

Affiliation
Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs

Region of Representation
Capital Region
Greater Lakes Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
Granite VNA has served my family in several ways over many years. Those services have been incredibly meaningful and impactful. I know first hand how important Granite VNA is in the lives of many New Hampshire citizens and I support VNA’s long standing commitment to providing quality and compassionate care in whichever stage of life it’s needed.

Affiliation
Retired registered nurse

Region of Representation
Greater Lakes Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
For over 40 years I have had the honor of assisting patients and families in various nursing roles, with the later years focused on Palliative and Hospice care. Now retired, it is a privilege to serve on the Granite VNA Board, firmly believing in our mission.

Jim Culhane is President and CEO. He plans, organizes, and directs programs and services; evaluates results and recommends policies, procedures, and actions to achieve program goals. He provides key leadership in short- and long-range planning and participates in community health care program development, relationship building and networking within strategic plans and mutual visions.

Previously, Culhane served as President and CEO of Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice in New London. He has more than 25 years of healthcare and nonprofit leadership experience. Prior to joining Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice, Culhane served in a leadership role with The Elliot VNA from 2011-2015 and served in progressively higher management and director positions at Granite VNA from 2002-2011.

Culhane holds a holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire, a master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a bachelor’s degree from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Active in the community and home health and hospice industry, he serves on the boards of the Rural Homecare Network; Community Nurse Connections – Upper Valley; and the Homecare, Hospice & Palliative Care Alliance of New Hampshire. He served on the board of the Foundation for Healthy Communities from 2018-2024.

Affiliation
Director of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Project at Foundation for Healthy Communities/NH Hospital Association

Region of Representation
Capital Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
I developed a deep appreciation for the role of visiting nurses during my father’s long final illness many years ago. Their care and services allowed him to remain in his home for far longer than would have been possible otherwise. It also gave him a welcome sense of human connection. As the fire chief for the City of Concord, I developed an excellent relationship with what was then Concord Regional VNA. Our work together in fall prevention for senior citizens benefited so many of our citizens. I continue to be moved by the range of health care services provided by Granite VNA in my role with an affiliate of the hospital association. From traditional services for older citizens to child and maternal health care, Granite VNA continues to meet the health care needs of the people of the Capital Area and Lakes Region.

Affiliation
Retired as State Director of NH Small Business Development Center, a national program of the UNH Paul College of Business & Economics

Region of Representation
Greater Lakes Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
Healthy communities are vital to our state's future. As a Trustee, I have the opportunity to contribute to the Mission of Granite VNA by ensuring the delivery of high-quality wellness programs and personal care to NH citizens, as well as contributing to the growth of essential programs in our communities. Personally, I will always be grateful for the home hospice care provided to my dad and the comfort given by the VNA to our entire family in Dad's final months.

Affiliation
Senior Account Executive at Cross Insurance

Region of Representation
Capital Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
The VNA provided so much support to our family when we were in need. Serving on the Board is a perfect way for me to give back to the VNA as I personally know how impactful our organization is to our community.

Affiliation
Vice President of Information Technology at Associated Grocers of New England

Region of Representation
Capital Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA?
I joined the Granite VNA Board of Trustees to help strengthen the organization’s technology as it continues to expand its services within the community. With a background in IT management and hands-on experience overseeing cybersecurity and daily operations, I enjoy finding practical ways to improve how technology benefits people. I am passionate about using my technical skills to help organizations that make a local impact. Serving on the board allows me to support Granite VNA’s mission of helping people live with health, independence, and dignity.

Affiliation
Associate General Counsel at Northeast Delta Dental

Region of Representation
Capital Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
As a previous recipient of Granite VNA services, I serve the organization to support its mission so others may receive the care they require and deserve.

Affiliation
Retired internist/geriatrician, nurse educator and Medical Director of ElderCare Services at Concord Hospital

Region of Representation
Capital Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
I am honored to chair the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee of Granite VNA, an agency that has cared for both my patients and my parents with great kindness, reliability, and skill. I became a Registered Nurse in 1977, and I especially loved the special challenge and privilege of caring for people in their own homes. Years later, I studied medicine and became an internist/geriatrician. Most recently, as Medical Director of ElderCare Services at Concord Hospital, I depended upon Granite VNA to provide my patients with excellent home nursing care and hospice services every day, and came to know the agency as unusually innovative, caring and professional. My parents were eternally grateful for their help with wound care and post-operative rehabilitation. It was a no-brainer to reach out about volunteer opportunities after my retirement. I have experienced Granite VNA as a hospice volunteer, a medical provider, a family caregiver, and now am proud to contribute to the mission of this essential organization as a Board member.

Affiliation
Director and CPA at Nathan Wechsler & Company, P.C.

Region of Representation
Capital Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
I strongly believe in the mission of the organization and believe they do important work in the State of NH.

Affiliation
Retired nurse executive from VA New England Health System and Director of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for New England

Region of Representation
Greater Lakes Region

Why I Serve Granite VNA
I am very honored to serve on the Board and have watched the expansion of the program with the merger of Laconia, Wolfeboro and Concord areas. These are extremely lean and challenging times but I am confident with a strong Board and even stronger clinical and administrative leadership, that we will continue to serve our patients maintain our position as a leader in home and hospice care.