OTHELLO - Maggie Gutierrez was honored recently at a meeting of the Columbia Basin Health Association board of directors after announcing her retirement from the board.

"Maggie has given many years of her time to serve faithfully on our Board," Greg Brandenburg, CBHA Executive Director said. "We greatly appreciate her commitment to our organization. She has taken the time to educate herself on the issues facing community health centers and has been enthusiastic about our many projects."

Gutierrez, a long time Othello resident, served as director of the Migrant Head Start Program from 1971 until her retirement in 2011. However, she continued her service on the CBHA Board.

"Leah Layne was the chief executive director when I first became a board member," she recalls. "The obvious changes I have seen over the years include the expansion of medical, dental and vision services and the improvement to the facilities."

However, it is a non-physical change, which Gutierrez observed, that has impressed her even more.

"I have seen an amazing transformation in the attitude of staff," she said. "They are very professional on all levels. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance. The patients are treated with respect and genuine concern."

Gutierrez credits her long tenure on the board to her enjoyment of working with other board members.

"I have fond memories about working with a number of really committed people over the years," she said. "In addition, Greg Brandenburg has provided excellent leadership of a very competent management team. I'm proud of what we have accomplished together these many years."