House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has selected David Blom, president and CEO of Columbus-based OhioHealth, to serve on a 15-member panel aimed on devising strategies to improve U.S. veterans' access to healthcare throughout the country, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
"David's nearly 30 years of experience in hospital administration at a large integrated health system like OhioHealth and his personal knowledge of the interaction between the VA Health Administration and the private healthcare system uniquely qualifies him to serve on the commission," Congressman Patrick Tiberi (R-Columbus), said of Mr. Blom's appointment.
The new commission is the result of a $16.2 billion overhaul of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. President Barack Obama will name three panel members of his choosing, while the Senate and House leaders get to name three members each. In addition to Mr. Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.,) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.,) will each appoint members to the commission.