Jack Dennis Named Executive Director of Wayne Memorial Health Foundation

Honesdale, PA (September 7, 2017) — The Administration and Board of Trustees of Wayne Memorial Health System (WMHS) are pleased to announce that John “Jack” Dennis has been promoted to the position of Executive Director of the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation (WMHF). Dennis replaced G. Richard Garman who announced his retirement earlier this year. The Foundation serves as the fundraising arm and recipient of all charitable contributions benefiting the entities that comprise WMHS.  Additionally, WMHF oversees the for-profit subsidiary, Wayne Health Services.

“I am honored to have been selected,” stated Dennis. “With the support and guidance of WMHS’ team of Senior Management, who have been my mentors throughout this process, and with the leadership and approval of the membership of the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation, I look forward to a smooth and effective transition from Rich Garman’s remarkable and productive career.”

During his 18 years of service to Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH), Dennis’ roles and responsibilities have expanded to include Grants Coordinator; Special Projects Manager; Manager of Grants & Development for both WMH and Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC); and most recently, Manager of Grants, Development and Veterans Outreach for those same entities. Dennis has also served as a grant reviewer for nearly 10 years for federal agencies such as Health & Human Services, the Health Resources & Services Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Among numerous professional achievements, Dennis is credited with securing over $14 million in grant funds for expansion and sustainability of healthcare services offered by WMH and WMCHC. These include acquiring the designation for a Federally Qualified Health Center, expansion of WMH’s Emergency Department, radiology PACS system upgrades and the development of the Rural Telehealth Network of NEPA.

“To say that Jack has been instrumental in the growth of Wayne Memorial Health System and Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers is an understatement,” says WMHS CEO David Hoff. “Without his extraordinary skills and acumen, Wayne Memorial would not be what it is today. We are very pleased that he has agreed to take on the Foundation position.”

Regarding his role as Manager of Grants and Development, Dennis says, “I will continue my efforts with an emphasis on identifying an individual to mentor and transition into this role at a future date.”

Dennis received a Master of Science degree in organizational management from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering management from Fairleigh-Dickinson University’s College of Engineering, Teaneck, NJ. He also completed a fellowship in PA RULE – Pennsylvania Rural Leadership Program at Penn State University, University Park, PA. Dennis is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He currently resides in Milford, PA.  He is married, the father of four children and grandfather to three. Last year, the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health presented Dennis with its Community Rural Health Leader of the Year award.