Sonora, CA… Earlier this year Sonora Regional Medical Center’s Foundation Office welcomed Kara Turpen as its Manager of Philanthropy. Turpen came to the Medical Center from Rocky Mountain Adventist Healthcare Foundation (RMAHF) in Denver, Colorado, where she held increasingly responsible positions at their foundation before leaving to join SRMC. She received her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Southern Adventist University and holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive credential.

Turpen says she’s been impressed by the generosity of the foothills community and looks forward to meeting and getting to know the Medical Center’s many supporters—as well as new friends. “The relationships we build with people in our community allow them to partner with us to improve healthcare in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties,” Turpen says. “I’m excited to be a part of this beautiful, growing community.”

In another move to strengthen ties with the community, the Medical Center asked Director of Physician Recruitment Kathrina McRee to also head up its community relations efforts. In this role, McRee will manage the hospital’s support to community organizations, and will team up with Turpen on fundraising events and development projects. McRee joined the Medical Center in 2011. In the 14 years she and her family have lived in Sonora, she has been very active as a volunteer for organizations such as Sierra Senior Providers and Omega Nu. “I have always enjoyed giving back to my community,” says McRee. “And now, I look forward to representing the Medical Center in its important work and mission to provide loving healthcare service through partnering with the community.”

CEO Andrew Jahn says the Medical Center’s philanthropic and community relations efforts are driven by its mission. “Our commitment to loving service extends not only to our patients and their families, but also to the community at large,” he says. “The relationships we foster in the community ultimately results in improved health and well-being, whether it happens through the Medical Center supporting the fight against childhood obesity, or through generous donors helping cancer patients via our Cancer Patient Support Fund. Kara and Kathrina will be leaders in our ongoing efforts to create and nurture those partnerships.”