Published on May 07, 2009

April Sevcik Receives 2009 Carpenter Award

Rogue Valley Medical Center (RVMC) recognized April Sevcik as the 2009 Alfred S.V. Carpenter Award recipient at a special ceremony and banquet on May 8.

"Asante is a stronger organization and a better community partner thanks to April's leadership," says Roy Vinyard, president and CEO of Asante Health System.

"Asante is a community owned, not-for-profit organization guided by local citizens dedicated to their community. It is because of them that we can provide such a high level of care to the people we serve."

Started in 1984, the annual award recognizes health-related philanthropic leadership in the Rogue Valley. Recipients have devoted extraordinary time, talent and treasure to philanthropic endeavors; provided unique leadership and wisdom; and demonstrated compassion and understanding in promoting a healthy community.

Sevcik has served the Medford community for several years and has worked on more volunteer boards than she can count, including the Asante Board of Directors for nine years; two years as chair. "I knew it would be intense and time consuming," she says. But when Asante trustee Skip Patterson challenged her to, "join the board that makes the tough decisions," her resistance dissolved.

Sevcik continues her community work and currently serves on the Southern Oregon University Foundation and the Mercy Flights governing bodies.

With Asante, she has helped to guide the not-for-profit organization through complex decisions and new ways of thinking about the future, most notably the new Rogue Valley Medical Center Bed Tower and the consolidation of two struggling Grants Pass hospitals into one, followed shortly thereafter by the construction of the new Three Rivers Community Hospital facility in Grants Pass. April also helped to guide the organization through various partnership ventures, including the Surgery Center of Southern Oregon.

When the new Rogue Valley Medical Center Bed Tower opened in 2005, April Sevcik, then the chair of the Asante Board of Directors, cut the ribbon. It was a symbolic act that captured a peak moment in April's board service and reflects her continuing commitment to community.

"Volunteer boards keep the community going," says April. "A number of people serve on numerous boards, and if we don't lead, who will?"

April married Bob Sevcik in 1976, and the couple has four children: Scott, a film industry professional; Sonja, currently an at-home mom; Shane, a Smith Barney financial advisor; and Skyler, a Macy's employee. April and Bob are long-time Jacksonville residents.

"I love this valley and the people in it," says April. "I'll be here forever and will continue to serve this community as long as I'm able."