Board of Directors

The Board of Director for the Madison County Health and Hospital District (the District) is appointed by the Governor of the State of Florida. Board members are appointed for four-year staggered terms. A member may re-apply to the governor’s office to maintain board membership at the expiration of his or her term. This board is subject to the State of Florida Sunshine statute. Its board meetings are open to the public.

Directors serve on two boards simultaneously, The Madison County Health and Hospital District (the District Board) and the Madison County Hospital Health Systems, Inc board (the Corporate Board). The corporate board is not subject to the State of Florida Sunshine statute, but the public is encouraged to attend meetings. Regularly scheduled meetings are usually held the fourth Thursday of each month at 12:00 noon at the hospital conference room.

Isham Benjamin (Ben) Harris Chairman of the Board
Mr. Harris has served on the board since September, 2008. He is a retired State of Florida Parks manager. Mr. Harris currently serves as the Board Chair.

Nita Fico Director
Ms. Fico received her masters of science in nursing from Valdosta State University. In 1997, she received her nurse practitioner degree from Florida State University. Ms. Fico is a part-time nurse practitioner for the Florida Department of Health. Ms. Fico has served on the Board since August 23, 2017.

Annette Johnson Director
Ms. Johnson has served on the board since January, 2010. She is a businesswoman and the president of J+J STRONG, a local wholesale fuel distribution and freight carrier company.

James Sale Director
Jim Sale has served on the board since September, 2006. He is a retired businessman. Mr. Sale previously served as the Board Chair.

Shirley Joseph Vice-Chair
Ms. Joseph has served on the board since January, 2004. She is the Superintendent of Madison County Schools.

Rosa Richardson Secretary
Ms. Richardson is recently retired as the executive director of the Senior Citizens Council of Madison. Ms. Richardson has served on the board since February, 2014.

Howard Phillips Previous Board Chair
In Loving Memory of the previous Board Chair, Howard Phillips. Mr. Phillips graciously served on the board From 2007 to 2019. He was a retired vice-president and chief financial officer for a local bank.