Health & Wellness

Memorial Health has welcomed the appointment of a new board member, Kent Hawkins, DDS. Appointed by the Union County Commissioners, Hawkins will serve a six-year term for the seat formerly held by Neal Handler and will take an active role on the eight-member volunteer Board of Trustees who govern the path of Memorial Health.

For many years, Hawkins has been an active partner for the healthcare organization, serving on Memorial’s Development Council from 2009‐2014, in addition to serving as a member of the Patient Family Engagement Council from 2018 to present.

Hawkins grew up in Springfield, Ohio and graduated from Miami University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. In 2004, he earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University and began practicing general dentistry at an established practice in Springfield. Wanting to build his life in the Union County area, Hawkins purchased Dr. Donald Coder’s practice in 2007 and thus began the Hawkins Dentistry practice.

Following his appointment to the board, Hawkins commented, “After years of observing Memorial’s continual growth and expansion of services to our community, along with their steadfast dedication to patient experience, it brings me great pride to serve as a Board Trustee. Healthcare is at the very core of my being and I look forward to partnering with Memorial’s Senior Leadership team and other board members.”

Hawkins will join the current board members including Chairperson Gary McDowell, Vice-Chairperson Dennis Stone, Secretary Doug Loudenslager, Nikki Conklin, Chad Hoffman, Tina Owens-Ruff, and Emily Wieringa.