WEST PALM BEACH — At its first public meeting of the year on Jan. 26, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Board welcomed three new members appointed last month by Governor Ron DeSantis. Tracy Caruso, Patrick Rooney and Carlos Vidueira will each serve a four-year term. They joined Alina M. Alonso, MD, outgoing Chair; Sean O’Bannon, Vice Chair and Tammy Jackson-Moore, Secretary.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Caruso, Mr. Rooney and Mr. Vidueira to the Health Care District Board,” said Darcy J. Davis, Health Care District CEO. “They each bring extensive experience and leadership in business, government, and community advocacy. Their volunteer service will be an asset to our unique health care system and the residents we serve.”

At the meeting, the Board elected Mr. Vidueira as the new chair.  Vidueira is the Vice President of Huizenga Holdings, Inc. and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Northend RISE in West Palm Beach.

“I look forward to working strategically with the board as well as leadership and staff,” said  Vidueira. “For nearly 35 years, the Health Care District has provided a health care safety net for the citizens of Palm Beach County and I am honored to be a part of the District’s ongoing mission.”

Caruso is the President of Delray Beach Executive Suites and serves as the Vice Chair of the Palm Beach County Housing and Finance Authority. She previously served on the Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board.

“I’m excited to serve on the Health Care District Board,” said Caruso. “I look forward to helping expand access to quality health care services for our community in a fiscally responsible manner,”

Rooney, who served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016, is the President of the Palm Beach Kennel Club.

“It is an honor to serve as a member of the Health Care District Board,” said Rooney. “I am committed to ensuring operational efficiency on behalf of the taxpayers as we provide diverse, high-quality health services.”

During the meeting, Davis recognized Dr. Alonso for her dedication and volunteer service since joining the Board in 2009. Dr. Alonso is retiring this year from her post as Director of the Florida Department of Health for Palm Beach County. That position holds a standing seat on the Health Care District Board.

“It’s been an honor to serve on the district board and committees for nearly 14 years,” said Dr. Alonso. “I am proud that we expanded our network of primary care clinics, introduced care for behavioral health and substance use disorder, rolled out three mobile clinics and mobilized a countywide response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Dr. Alonso is a passionate public health leader and advocate who helped pave the way for our public healthcare system to meet the changing health care needs of our community,” said  Davis. “It’s been a pleasure to work with her and she will be missed.”