Hospice hires new director

COEUR d'ALENE - Hospice of North Idaho has a new executive director.

Kim Ransier was named on Friday to guide the nonprofit that assists people facing serious illness or experiencing the loss of a loved one.

"I'm honored that the board of directors has entrusted me with the leadership of Hospice of North Idaho," Ransier said.

While employed by Hospice of North Idaho for almost two years, Ransier has a longer history with the organization, including serving on its board of directors.

She was also involved with the planning of the Hospice House, Idaho's only inpatient hospice facility.

"I believe that hospice is important because it's about people having a choice, the freedom to make healthcare decisions about their end of life experience," she said.

Ransier, who was hired as the organization's director of operations in 2011, has been acting director since August.

She replaces Paul Weil, who resigned in July 2012 after nearly 10 years on the job.

Board chair Lee Fields said Ransier's hiring was unanimous.

"Kim has done an excellent job the past eight months while wearing the hats of acting director and operations director," Fields said.

HONI conducted a nationwide search before hiring Ransier.

The position was advertised for six weeks, yielding about 35 applications from across the United States.

The committee then invited community members to participate in phone interviews for the top five candidates. Despite the excellent caliber of candidates, the committee decided to forgo on-site interviews after determining that the candidate most qualified was Ransier.

"It was clear that we already have the top candidate right here," said Allen Miller, vice-chair of the board.

Ransier is no stranger to North Idaho. She was the first director of Kootenai Health's Cancer Center in Coeur d'Alene, and also one of the developers of the Walden House.

Prior to her employment at Hospice of North Idaho, she provided consulting and medical practice management for several years and has worked at a variety of hospitals.

Ransier said she is aware of the challenges that lie ahead for the organization and for healthcare in general.

"I believe that we can remain dedicated to our mission as we navigate through them," said Ransier. "Continued community support is paramount to doing so."

Ransier would like to expand services provided by the organization, including bereavement services offered to children and the community.

Other items on her agenda are working to strengthen partnerships with other nonprofits, schools, and service providers and having a more open dialogue about end of life care and decision-making in the community.