WHIDBEY ISLAND: Hospital commissioner candidate statements
These are the candidate statements submitted to the Secretary of State’s office by candidates for Whidbey Island Public Hospital District Commissioner, Position 5. The images above for Dennis Rochier, Kirk Gasper, and Theodore Smithwere submitted by the respective candidates; the image of Morgan Cooper is from our archives. Statements are listed in the order in which the candidates appear on the ballot.
Dennis Rochier
Candidate Statement
Elected Experience
None
Other Professional Experience
Internal Medicine Physician, Head of Internal Medicine at Virginia Mason Federal Way; Director of Primary Care and Chief Medical Officer at Renown Health, Reno, NV; Chief Physician Executive at Overlake Medical Clinics, Bellevue, WA; Clinician and Medical Director at WhidbeyHealth, Freeland, WA.
Education
University of Texas, BA Zoology; Southwestern Medical School, Doctor of Medicine; University of Washington, Master of Healthcare Administration
Community Service
Volunteer Physician, Federal Way High School Soccer; NCAA Dive and Swim Tournament, Seattle Marathon; Board Member, Food Bank of Northern Nevada; Volunteer Clinical Instructor of Medicine, WSU Medical School, University of Nevada School of Medicine.
Statement
High quality health care should be safe, effective, patient-centered, efficient and equitable. These goals are challenging for all health systems, especially rural ones. These goals are, however, achievable. The role of the Board is to ensure that these goals are met by providing oversight and strategic guidance while working with the administration, clinical and non-clinical employees and medical staff.
With over 40 years of experience in healthcare, I have worked in a wide range of positions from laboratory technician to executive leadership. I have served as a member of the medical staff and a member of the senior leadership team in urban, suburban and rural settings. My role as Chief Medical Officer included responsibility for a rural critical access hospital like WhidbeyHealth.
I will bring a perspective with administrative and clinical understanding, the ability to listen, communicate and partner effectively with all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and reliable high quality healthcare system that will serve us well. Caring about my friends, neighbors, and family who are also Whidbey Islanders, I have a vested interest in the success of WhidbeyHealth. I greatly appreciate your support in becoming a Commissioner of the Public Hospital District. Thank you for your consideration.
Contact
(253) 334-1437
Dennis.rochier@gmail.com
4058 Smugglers Cove Rd
Greenbank, WA 98253
Links
Kirk Gasper
Candidate Statement
Elected Experience
None
Other Professional Experience
Physician, U.S. Navy (1997-2017), retired with rank of Captain. Service time includes: USNH Naples—Chair of Medical Staff, USNH Yokosuka—Director of Healthcare Business, Naval Hospital Oak Harbor—Director of Medical Services (outpatient primary care, urgent care, mental health).
Physician, Teladoc, Inc. (2020-present).
Board-certified in Family Medicine.
Licensed in WA, WI, OH, FL.
Education
Whitman College, B.A., Biology.
Washington University School of Medicine, MD.
Riverside Regional Medical Center, Family Practice Residency.
University of Washington, Faculty Development Fellowship.
Community Service
Church Council, Living Word Oak Harbor (2017-2022).
Secretary/Treasurer, Barrington Heights Homeowners Association, Oak Harbor (2014-2023).
Statement
As a long-time resident of Whidbey Island with a history of service in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, I am excited for the opportunity to serve the Whidbey Island Community in a new capacity as a public hospital commissioner. WhidbeyHealth faces continued challenges in its quest to provide the highest level of care while dealing with ongoing financial challenges. Medical reimbursements for our rural health setting are threatened by funding decreases, both in the near term and foreseeable future.
During my 20+ years practicing medicine in the Navy, I supervised a broad range of hospital services. This included supervising business operations as Director of Healthcare Business, acting as Chair of the Medical Staff, and Director of Medical Services at NH Oak Harbor. As a family physician, I have experience in all aspects of the health system, including outpatient clinics, emergency departments, labor and delivery, and other inpatient services. These experiences will help guide leadership decisions to maximize the value and service that WhidbeyHealth provides to our community.
As hospital commissioner, my goal is to provide the highest quality medical facilities and care, while providing maximal value for your tax dollars. I would be grateful for your support.
Contact
(360) 914-0137
islandcoug@gmail.com
3727 Shorewood Ave
Greenbank, WA 98253
Links
Morgan Cooper
Contact
(360) 488-3900
cooper4whcommissioner@gmail.com
830 Edgecliff Dr
Langley, WA 98260
Links
Ed. Note: Ms. Cooper submitted neither a candidate statement nor a photo.
Theodore C. Smith
Candidate Statement
Elected Experience
Ted Smith has not previously run for elective office.
Other Professional Experience
30 years as scientist and administrator in California State Government; 17 years as college science educator. His government experience includes strategic planning; budgeting; account monitoring; legislation review; data security; oversight of administrative, publication, science, and engineering staff. An innovator, he led the efforts to create the first website for the California Geological Survey.
Education
BA, Geology; MA, Environmental Planning; PhD, Education
Community Service
Ted has served on the Boards of Directors of several organizations, including Ascension Lutheran Church of Citrus Heights, Geology in the Public Interest, and Whidbey Island Community Advocates for Refugee Efforts.
Statement
The District made good progress in emerging from its recent financial difficulties, but fiscal challenges remain. A significant billing backlog perpetuates short-term cash-flow issues. New challenges include proposed Medicare cuts and recently imposed tariffs on major equipment, pharmaceuticals, and supplies. A long-term plan for maintaining and replacing aging or substandard parts of facilities is needed. Past financial difficulties linger in one or more contracts that require rapid payment to preserve access to critical medications and supplies. These issues warrant ongoing significant attention.
Contractors appear to be making progress on improving data management. The District appears to have and apply policies and procedures to assure the hiring, training, and retention of medical and support staff, and is in the process of creating a strategic plan.
The Board provides strategic direction and financial oversight of the Medical Center, clinics, and various medical practices. I bring significant experience and expertise in helping to guide and oversee operations of a government science agency that periodically faced and overcame significant financial and management challenges. I believe that I can be an effective servant leader in the Board’s efforts to assure sound and efficient operation of Whidbey Health and preserving community access to quality medical care.
Contact
(916) 267-5256
tcsmith@gmx.com
2030 Rockcress Ln
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Links
The Whidbey News-Times reported in their July 30, 2025 edition that Mr. Smith has withdrawn from the race as part of a move out of state.
On the Ballot in 2025
| WHIDBEY ISLAND PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT |
|---|
| Commissioner, Position 3 James Canby Christina LeClaire Incumbent Ron Wallin did not file for another term. |
| Commissioner, Position 4 Mark E. Borden Juliann Althoff Incumbent Greg Richardson did not file for another term. |
| Commissioner, Position 5 Dennis Rochier Kirk Gasper Morgan Cooper Theodore C. Smith Incumbent Kate Rose passed away on April 24, 2025. The remaining commissioners will appoint a replacement to serve until the results of the November election are certified. |
