Prince Frederick, MD (Jan. 4, 2007) - Huntingtown resident Robert Bolton, director of finance at Hogan & Hartson in Washington, DC and local dentist Dr. Marsha Plater have joined the board of directors for Calvert Memorial Hospital. Additionally, board member Dean Schleicher of Owings has been named chairman of the board for the coming year.

"Mr. Bolton works for one of the largest law firms in the world," said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis. "His financial background will certainly be an asset to our audit committee … ensuring that CMH fully meets its tax-exempt requirements and other federal regulatory policies."

He went on to add, "His prior experience in implementing best practices will be invaluable."

Xinis said Dr. Plater's familiarity with the county and the medical profession will benefit the board. "She has been a care provider for the past 25 years (as a dentist in Calvert County)," he said. "She has also been a member of our allied professional staff since 2002."

"Both of these individuals will have an immediate impact based on their level of expertise and their knowledge of the hospital," said Xinis.

He also praised Schleicher's strong leadership skills and management experience. "We are very pleased that Dean has agreed to serve as chairman," said Xinis. "He has played a major role in every major policy-making decision during his eight years of service … and certainly his healthcare background will be an asset to our community board."

Schleicher is a senior program analyst with the US Office of Personnel Management in the Program Planning and Evaluation Group. He is the project leader for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program annual Open Season period and he evaluates health plan performance on various quality measures. He received his master's degree in health care administration from the University of Maryland and is credentialed by the American Academy of Medical Administrators and the Academy for Healthcare Management.

Schleicher was appointed to the CMH board in 1999. Since that time he has served as secretary and been a member of many committees, including the Audit Committee, the Bylaws Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Joint Quality Improvement Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Planning and Marketing Committee and the Self Evaluation Committee.

Bolton has been with Hogan and Hartson for 18 years. In 2001, he was promoted to director of finance. In that role, he supervises over 100 professional staff and 15 managers. He oversees accounting operations and provides financial support to all firm directors and managers. Under his leadership, the firm has improved the timing and accuracy of critical financial information by up to 70 percent through the implementation of a computerized international accounting system utilizing network functions.

His prior community service includes the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC; the United Way of Calvert County, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. He and his wife, Joanne, have four children, Brad, 25; Christian, 21; Brit, 18 and Tyler, 15.

"I think the hospital is an integral part of the community," said Bolton. "I want to give something back to the community. I look forward to serving on the board and contributing my time and efforts to help the hospital grow."

Plater grew up in Calvert County. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1978. She received her doctor of dental surgery degree from UMBC in 1983.

During her 23-year career, Dr. Plater has practiced dentistry in a variety of settings, including a neighborhood health center in New York and Hadley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC before opening her own practice in Huntingtown in 1992.

Her practice of general dentistry includes preventive, prosthodontic, endodontic, pedodontic and surgical care. She holds professional licenses in Maryland, Washington, DC and New York. She also belongs to the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Society and he Patuxent Dental Society. She lives in Prince Frederick with her husband, Dr. Michael Hill.

Dr. Plater spreads her knowledge and love of dentistry to the community when she volunteers in dental screenings, dental education for dental hygiene month and local career fairs at schools and daycare facilities each year.

"I have a passion for healthy living," she said, "and promote anti-smoking and good nutrition in my dental practice and daily life."

The other officers are Sally Showalter, vice chairman; Kevin Betz, treasurer and Mary Krug, secretary.