Pictured from left are: Rich Loeber, David Johnson, Peggy Wiltberger, Sue Rice and Jamie Whidden, in front; Willie Sheridan, Craig Stevens, Carol Urquhart, Jennifer Balog and Roger Neill, in the middle; and Robert White, Wayne Newman, Mark Simkins, David Mader and Ray Scollin, in back. Not pictured is W. Cole Campbell. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Health Association recently held its annual meeting, welcoming three new board members: Jen Balog, Ray Scollin and Sue Rice.

Jen Balog is the executive director of the Adirondack Health Foundation and brings more than 15 years of experience in healthcare philanthropy, alongside 16 years as a frontline radiation therapist. Her career has been guided by a deep belief that healthcare should meet people where they are — a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the mission of the Saranac Lake Health Association.

Balog said she is proud to support the Association’s efforts to provide compassionate home nursing services, helping neighbors remain safely in their homes while maintaining their independence and dignity. Balog is particularly passionate about the Association’s role in addressing unmet needs–like hearing aids–which often fall through the gaps in our healthcare system.

“Healthcare starts in the community,” Balog said. “Whether it’s helping someone stay at home longer, or providing a hearing aid that restores connection and confidence, these are life-changing supports.”

Balog also champions the Association’s school dental program, recognizing that oral health is directly linked to heart health and other chronic diseases. “Starting children off with strong habits builds a lifetime foundation for good health,” she said.

A Buffalo native with deep family roots in the Adirondacks, Balog and her husband spend summers at their camp in Raquette Lake. Her previous leadership roles include foundation director and chief development officer with several healthcare facilities. She holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from Utica College, a bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, and an associate degree in Radiation Therapy. She is also a certified fundraising executive and chartered advisor in philanthropy.

For Balog, joining the board of the Saranac Lake Health Association is more than a professional honor–it’s a personal commitment to the health and well-being of the community she now calls home.

Ray Scollin, as a Registered Nurse for 45 years, specialized in critical care and critical care transport. He has been the Health Officer for the Village of Saranac Lake for more than 20 years. He is a retired Major from U.S. Army Reserves and has served on several governmental and community service boards and committees.

“The Saranac Lake Health Association has been a well-known treasure in regard to providing and promoting health services in our community. When asked if I would like to serve on their Board of Directors, I was honored. I am hoping to help the current leadership continue to improve the services of this 128-year-old organization,” Scollin said.

And new board member, Sue Rice said, “I am part of the fifth generation of my family to live in Saranac Lake. I taught at Saranac Lake Central Schools for 34 years and retired in 2019. My family also owns Rice Furniture, and my son is currently working as the fourth generation to run it. I am very happy to have been appointed to the Saranac Lake Health Association Board. Through my years of living in the village and working with members of the community in various capacities, I have seen the importance of providing health services to those in need — from our youngest town residents to our oldest town residents. This serves to make us a stronger community, and I am so pleased to be a part of that.”