The Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation has welcomed new board of directors members Sherrie G. Cass (pictured below), Amanda Gaskins, Vicki Gaffney, Denise Hayes, Abbey Heilmann, Brooke Rudd and Ginger Vallaster.

They join current foundation board members Beckie Armstrong, Barbara Boland, Alison DiGuiseppe, Lisa Fitzgerald, Jwantana Gardner-Frink, Beccy Hager, Tish Hatem, Trisha Howarth, Lois Ingland, Gail Jackson, Tom Jarvis, Randy Jones, David Miller, Diane Rabon, Susan Rabon, Melody Ryan, Linda Sharkey and Maurice Smith.  

Along with new board members, new executive officers were voted to serve the new term: chair, Trisha Howarth; vice chair, Linda Sharkey; secretary, Beccy Hager; treasurer Tish Hatem; past chair, Melody Ryan; and special board appointees Randy Jones and Susan Rabon. Also serving on the board ex-officio is Lynda Stanley, CEO/president of Dosher Memorial Hospital, and Ed Tusa, CFO of the hospital.   
 
"The Dosher Foundation volunteer board of directors is made up of a broad spectrum of community members and is charged with the responsibility of managing donations and allocating foundation funds either as directed by the donor or to maximize the effectiveness of the contribution," according to a news release. "Board members work alongside Antonette (Toni) McAndrews, foundation director, to further the mission of the foundation."

Cass is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and is the owner and founder of Live Oak Med Spa located in Southport. She started the Miles for Mammo’s Walk/Run and remains a leader of the annual event.  She is married to Robb Cass Jr. and is the mother of two adult children. "Cass is deeply committed to supporting equitable healthcare within our community," the release stated.

Gaffney holds a bachelor's degree in communication with a concentration in marketing from Virginia Tech. Vicki has been volunteering as a member of the foundation’s mammography campaign, the annual Dosher Foundation Heart to Heart event and the annual Miles for Mammo’s Walk/Run. She is also a Brunswick Ballroom Dance International Competitor, holds an FAA private pilot license and has a background in hospital marketing.

Gaskins is a senior human resources leader at Southport Duke Energy. She holds the senior professional in human resources (SPHR) credential and has a long history of community engagement through volunteer coaching, service endeavors and charitable giving, according to the release. "Amanda calls Southport home and looks forward to contributing in a positive way to the community," the release stated.

Hayes is the owner of The Apothecary at St. James and a licensed real estate broker with St. James Properties. She holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a master’s degree in pharmacy administration, with a career in New Jersey spanning hospital, home care and hospice, according to the release. "Denise is passionate about serving her community and giving back through volunteer work with the New Hope Clinic and The Nest program in St. James," the release stated.

Heilmann is the owner of Southport Barre, a local fitness studio rooted in strength, connection and community. Heilmann holds a master's degree in new literacies and global learning from N.C. State University and a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in English from Clemson University. "Abbey is a resident of Southport and is deeply invested in her community. She enjoys bike riding with her husband and daughter," according to the release.

Rudd is a second-generation Realtor with 27 years of experience in the real estate industry and serves as vice president of Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. She currently serves as the 2026 President-Elect of NC Realtors and, in January 2027, will be installed as president of the statewide association, the release stated. A graduate of N.C. State University, Rudd is also a graduate of the NC Realtors Institute and the NC Realtors William C. Bass Leadership Academy. Rudd holds a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a Tae Kwon Do instructor certification, according to the release. 

Vallaster holds a bachelor's degree in business management science from Virginia Tech.  She has over 13 years’ experience as an Independent Contractor to Federal Agencies and the DOD.  Additionally, Mrs. Vallaster has 11 years of management experience in corporate alliances, projects, finances and human resources. Mrs. Vallaster has had extensive volunteer service in Washington D.C. and Virginia. 

The Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation was established and began operating in March 2010. "The foundation’s primary responsibility is to encourage a steady flow of funds to the hospital from individuals and organization within the hospitals’ service area," the release stated. "These funds enable Dosher Hospital to continue providing its patients with the finest healthcare equipment, programs and services possible, as well as provide the resources necessary for construction expansion and remodeling projects."