Ernie Bovio, Dr. Greg Dehmer, Dr. Steve Sibbitt, Dr. Paul West and Mike Helm have joined the Metroplex Community Board.

"The Metroplex Health System Community Board is responsible for defining and pursuing the mission of Metroplex while safeguarding the values of our Christian organization," said Ken Finch, Metroplex president and CEO.

"The board oversees the strategic direction of the hospital and monitors the operational performance. It ensures that Metroplex addresses the community health needs and provides quality healthcare services in a spirit of compassion and Christian concern."

Bovio, chief executive officer of Scott & White Hospital at University Medical Campus in Round Rock, has worked in the healthcare field more than a decade. He has served in various administrative capacities including CEO of the 207-bed Trinity Medical Center in Carrollton, chief operating officer at the 524-bed Twelve Oaks Medical Center in Houston, and chief operating officer at the Medical Center of Mesquite.

Before returning to his home state of Texas, Bovio held director positions at Duke University Health System in Durham, N.C.

He holds a master's degree in healthcare and business administration from the University of Houston and a bachelor of arts in history from Texas A&M University. He is a member and fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a board member for both the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce and the American Heart Association of Williamson County.

Bovio and his wife, Holly, have four children.

"I am pleased and honored to be appointed to the Metroplex board," said Bovio. "I look forward to bringing my experiences from different markets and different organizations in an effort to continue Metroplex's quality care and excellent service to the community."

Dehmer said he is grateful for his seat on the Metroplex board and for the new partnership between Metroplex and Scott & White. "I will do my best as a new trustee to promote the partnership as strongly as I can in a manner that highlights both organizations."

He earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1975, and completed his training in internal medicine and cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. After his training, he completed a three-year stint in the U.S. Air Force as a cardiologist.

Dehmer is a member of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry management board and editor-inchief of the American College of Cardiology- CathKIT. He has published more than 160 articles and book chapters and has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and American Journal of Cardiology.

Dehmer is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology, and specializes in invasive and interventional cardiology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American College of Physicians, and a past president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. He maintains a practice in addition to his local and national administrative responsibilities.

Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Sibbitt is the associate chief medical officer at Scott & White Memorial Hospital and chief of staff at Scott & White Continuing Care Hospital.

He received his doctor of medicine in 1994 from the American University of the Caribbean in Montserrat, British West Indies. His internship was completed in internal medicine at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit. Sibbitt then completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he also served as chief resident.

"I am extremely pleased and excited about this opportunity to partner with individuals who have the same goals as I do," said Sibbitt. "It has been an honor and privilege for me to meet so many decent and good human beings, all dedicated to improving the health care provided to the community."

West is a physician and medical director at the Scott & White OB/GYN Clinic in Killeen. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas and his doctor of medicine from the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. His residency was completed at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

Helm, a local business leader, has been president of Yowell Business Center Two, Ltd. since 1993. He retired from the banking business in 2002, and spends much of his time volunteering. "I am at a point in my life where I can give back to my community," he said.

Helm has been on the Killeen Independent School District Board of Trustees since 2004. He also serves on the board of Young Life Central Texas, Heart of Texas Defense Alliance and the Advisory Board for Extraco Banks. He has played many director roles, including service on both the Harker Heights and Killeen chambers of commerce.

He received his economics degree from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls.

"I love this community," said Helm, "and I am honored to be on the Metroplex board. My goal is to assure Metroplex is providing high-quality, affordable health care because that is what I want as a member of the community."

Existing board members include Henderson Garrett, Dr. Frederick Barnett, Allen Cloud, Samuel Green, Mary Kliewer, Les Ledger, James Lindley, Paula Lohse, Richard Procter and Pete Weber.

"The community board members accept this responsibility and devote their time and hard work for the community benefit without being paid," said Finch. "I am thankful for each board member. They bring their experience and perspective to the board with the sole reward being the service to our patients who are fellow community members."

For more information about the Metroplex Health System, visit mplex.org.