Coastal Hospice Welcomes Five New Members to Board

Coastal Hospice Welcomes Five New Members to Board as Long-Term Member Byron Braniff Finishes Three Consecutive Terms

SALISBURY, MD – April 5, 2021 – Coastal Hospice today announced the election of five new members to its Board of Directors, including Filippa Etherton of Tidal Health, Morgan Fisher of Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, LLP, Dr. LaKeisha Harris of University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Dr. Sharon Milbourne Washington of Tidal Health, and Dr. Tina Reid, R.N. of Salisbury University School of Nursing.

Leaving the Board is Byron Braniff, a dedicated member who served the maximum three terms of three years each, culminating in the position of Vice Chair.

“Board changes are always bittersweet,” said Coastal Hospice President Alane Capen. “While we are sad to see those like Byron, who has meant so much to the organization depart, our feelings are tempered by the excitement of having new members join with new ideas and enthusiasm. These five women will make such a difference to our patients, families and organizations and we are excited to move ahead.”

The owner of a retail company for 45 years and a property management company in Ocean City for 35 years, Byron brought a strong business background to his Board seat. He was instrumental in the creation of Stansell House, and he and his wife Anne sponsored the Admissions Office.
“Coastal Hospice is a highly regarded organization that has touched so many lives,” said Braniff. “It was a pleasure and honor to serve.”

Several Board Members have changed positions on the Executive Committee. Steve Farrow has graciously agreed to another term as Chair. Richard Laws (previously Treasurer) has stepped up to Vice Chair, with Madalaine How (previously Secretary) filling the Treasurer spot. Immediate Past President Mike Dunn has filled the role of Secretary. We have created a new position, Member at Large, which is being filled by Board Member Wiltssy Payero-Edeen.

Returning Board Members (in alphabetical order) are: Colleen A. Bunting, David A. Dykes, Parisa Gholamvand, Roger L. Harrell, Andy Kim, Robert M. Purcell, Anthony Sarbanes and Margaret M. Whitten.

Do You Know Coastal Hospice & Palliative Care?
Coastal Hospice is a non-profit health care organization dedicated to caring for individuals who are facing life-limiting conditions but do not want to be defined by them. Hospice care, which is a free Medicare and insurance benefit, is delivered in patients’ homes, in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake and the new Stansell House. Palliative care, designed to help manage the pain, symptoms and stress of long-term, terminal illness, is also provided. Family education, pediatric hospice care, bereavement care and much more is also available. In 2020, Coastal Hospice is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of serving Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties. Learn more about Coastal Hospice at www.coastalhospice.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.