The Peninsula Regional Health System and Peninsula Regional Medical Center announce the addition of Memo Diriker, PhD, as its newest member to both Boards. Dr. Diriker replaces Ray Hoy, EdD, who retired from the PRMC Board of Trustees and the Health System Board of Directors at the annual meeting October 1.
Dr. Diriker, who like Dr. Hoy brings to the Board a similar strong academic background, is the Founder and Director of the Business, Economic, and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University. Since 1989, as Dr. Diriker has served as the principal investigator on over 400 grants and sponsored research projects, totaling over $10 Million in awards. In addition to a book he co-authored with Denny E. McCorkle titled Self Marketing Advantage, Dr. Diriker has authored or co-authored many articles in academic and practitioner publications, and is a popular speaker at many regional, national, and international events. 
He brings to the PRMC Boards expertise in engineering principles that complement the Medical Center’s LEAN program and its science of performance improvement. Dr. Diriker is leading the “Gray Shore” study that is examining the need for healthcare and housing options for an aging Eastern Shore senior citizen population that is expected to double within the next 25 years. Dr. Diriker is the recipient of many honors and awards, including an Influential Marylander award and a University System of Maryland Board of Regents Award for Outstanding Public Service.
Dr. Hoy, President of Wor Wic Community College, retires after 13 years of service to the Boards, including a term as Chairman from 2009 to 2011. Described by his peers as a voice of reason and wise counsel, Dr. Hoy led the Board and PRMC through some of the institutions most challenging but exciting years as its Chair and also while leading a number of committees. A tireless advocate for healthcare, quality improvement and safety, Dr. Hoy was honored with a Board resolution that described him as the “quintessential Board member who has maintained the highest standard of professional ethics, with an independent, engaging, supportive and passionate approach to Board service.”
Dr. Diriker’s initial term on the PRMC Board of Trustees is forthree years. Also at the October annual meeting, Monty Sayler was named the new Chairman of the Board replacing William McCain, whose two-year term ended this year.
