MARCH NIBJ: On the move

Kootenai Care Network names Ramon Guel as executive director

Coeur d’Alene — Kootenai Care Network (KCN) announced that Ramon J. Guel has been appointed Executive Director, bringing more than a decade of health care administration and clinically integrated network leadership experience to the organization.

Originally from Oregon, Guel relocated to Washington state in 2018, where he spent five years leading MultiCare Connected Care’s Clinically Integrated Network. In that role, he provided strategic and operational leadership supporting value-based care initiatives, provider collaboration and system-wide performance improvement efforts. He now assumes leadership of Kootenai Care Network, continuing a career focused on advancing coordinated, high-quality care.

Guel holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Troy University, a Master of Arts in English from Heritage University, and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from Concordia University — Portland. He also earned a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from Gonzaga University.

In addition to his civilian health care leadership experience, Guel is a former U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer, where he held leadership roles in Combat Support Hospitals and gained extensive experience in healthcare operations, logistics, and team leadership in complex environments.

Guel recently completed his term serving on the Board of Directors for the Washington State chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and plans to join the Idaho chapter in 2026.

As Executive Director, Guel will lead Kootenai Care Network’s strategic direction, operational performance and collaborative efforts to support providers and improve care coordination across the region.

Kootenai Care Network is a clinically integrated network dedicated to supporting high-quality, coordinated and cost-effective care through collaboration among health care providers across North Idaho. Kootenai Care Network manages eight value-based care contracts, coordinating care for over 65,000 patients through a network of approximately 700 providers. Learn more at kootenaicarenetwork.org

Sanborn joins Murphy Business Sales

Mark Sanborn has recently joined the team at Murphy Business Sales. His extensive background will provide yet another level of expertise for our clients and the business community.

Mark was raised in the Pacific Northwest before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and serving on active duty in Minot, N.D., as well as in Pittsburgh, Pa., while serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Franciscan University and has been an active Certified Public Accountant  for over 20 years. Mark has owned and operated a boutique accounting firm for over 15 years and has extensive experience with family-owned and partner-owned businesses and understands very well what it takes to work closely with ownership to ensure their business is being presented properly through accounting records and operated efficiently. His business experience includes property management, staffing, millwork, professional services firms, pharmaceutical and plastics manufacturers, EdTech and more.

Since 2007, Murphy Business Sales has been guiding business owners in North Idaho, and beyond. Specializing in confidential sales, valuations, and M&A advisory services. For more information, contact [email protected] or call the Coeur d'Alene office at 208-449-1117.

Coeur d’Alene outdoor recreation business expands

North Idaho Rec & Marine has opened in the Sandpoint area under the ownership of Casey Morrisroe, who also owns Specialty Recreation & Marine in Coeur d’Alene. The new location, along U.S. 95 in Ponderay, offers sales, service and repair for ATVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles, tractors and marine equipment. 

“Sandpoint is a growing market and a great fit for our business,” Morrisroe said. “It’s a community built around outdoor recreation — riding, boating and lake life.” Morrisroe said the expansion allows customers to access locally owned services closer to home. 

The business employs local staff and serves Bonner County recreation enthusiasts.

North Idaho Rec & Marine is located at 478544 U.S. 95, Ponderay. Its website, northidahorec.com, includes a comprehensive listing of their brand, services and inventory offerings, along with financing options. Call for info: 208-263-1124.

Northwest Hospital Alliance appoints Paul Lewis as director

The Northwest Hospital Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Lewis as its new director, bringing more than two decades of health care leadership experience focused on strengthening access to high‑quality, cost‑effective care in rural and community settings.

Lewis most recently served as chief executive officer of Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho, where he has provided executive leadership since 2019. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, operational excellence and the long‑term sustainability of community hospitals — principles that align closely with the mission of the Northwest Hospital Alliance.

As director, Lewis will lead the Alliance’s efforts to support its member hospitals through shared services, strategic collaboration, and advocacy, with a continued focus on preserving the economic strength and independence of community hospitals. Each member hospital is represented on the Alliance board, ensuring a strong, locally driven governance model.

The Northwest Hospital Alliance serves as a collaborative network to assist its members in offering high‑quality, cost‑effective healthcare in their communities. The Alliance is organized to provide support in response to changes in the healthcare environment, with preservation of community hospitals serving as the cornerstone of the network relationship.

Lewis brings extensive executive experience from rural and critical access hospitals across the Northwest and Mountain West. At Shoshone Medical Center, Lewis was accountable for an $18 million annual operating budget and has overseen major facility renovations, the successful implementation of a comprehensive electronic health record system, and sustained financial stability through the COVID‑19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Shoshone Medical Center has been recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health in 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025.

Previously, Lewis served as president of Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City, Mont., and as administrator of Adams County Public Hospital District No. 2 in Ritzville, Wash. His background spans executive operations, finance, clinical services and governance, providing a well‑rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing community hospitals today.

Lewis has also been actively engaged in regional and statewide health care leadership, serving on the Northwest Hospital Alliance Board since 2019 and as board chair since 2023, as well as holding leadership roles with the Idaho Hospital Association and other health care and community organizations.

The Northwest Hospital Alliance is a collaborative network of community hospitals dedicated to supporting high‑quality, cost‑effective healthcare across the region. Through shared services, strategic collaboration and local governance, the Alliance helps member hospitals adapt to a changing health care landscape while preserving access to care and economic strength in the communities they serve. Members include: Benewah Community Hospital, Bonner General Health, Boundary Community Hospital, Clearwater Valley Health, Kootenai Health, Shoshone Medical Center, St. Mary’s Health, Syringa Hospital and Clinics. Learn more at nwhospitalalliance.org.

   Casey Morrisroe

   Paul Lewis

    Mark Sanborn
  

    North Idaho Rec & Marine, formerly Northern Idaho Powersports, is now open on U.S. 95 in Ponderay. The new powersports and marine business was acquired by Casey Morrisroe, owner of Specialty Recreation & Marine in Coeur d’Alene.