Branson, Vandeven appointed to full terms on Marion County Hospital District Board of Trustees

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC) unanimously approved a motion to appoint two full members to full terms on the Marion County Hospital District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, June 21.

Rusty Branson, a banker with South State Bank, and Harvey Vandeven, a business owner with Miller Pipeline, were both chosen as the new appointees. Their four-year terms will begin on July 1, 2022, and conclude on June 30, 2026.

Their responsibilities will be to oversee the Marion County Hospital District, which was created by a special act of the Florida Legislature.

Charisse Rivers, a financial planner with Zinnia Wealth Management, was the only other applicant.

Vice Chairman Sam McConnell and trustee Randy Klein’s terms on the Board of Trustees are set to expire on June 30, 2022. Neither member wished to reapply for their next term. Both members were serving their second terms on the board.

Branson is a member of the College of Central Florida Board of Trustees, as well as an Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) treasurer and board member. He was also previously on both United Way and Advent Health Ocala’s boards.

According to his application, Branson served time on the Marion County Housing Finance Authority board from 1998 to 2008.

“I am a firm believer that both the quality of our educational system together with the quality and accessibility to healthcare are the core foundations to having a thriving and prosperous community,” said Branson in his application.

“And with the current resources made available to the [hospital district], while implementing a mission-minded strategy that exercises great discipline, care and accountability when utilizing the resources, I see the organization having the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the people in Marion County for generations to come,” he added.

Vandeven listed his previous volunteer experience to include Marion County Roadbuilders Association, United Way and the Open Arms Village of Ocala, according to his application.

“I believe that the [hospital district] board has the tools to help protect and improve the quality of life in Marion County,” he said.