Raymond Blair, Alison Gilmore-Carr, and Mary Shields each have a special connection to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth (BID Plymouth). Although their journeys to becoming board members are unique, they share one common thread: a deep appreciation for the hospital’s focus on putting patients first, always. We are thrilled to welcome Raymond, Alison, and Mary, and we invite you to learn more about them—and what the hospital means to them.

Raymond Blair of Marshfield brings a fresh perspective and deep expertise in business development from his career as a sales executive at IBM. Over the past year, Raymond has served on the advisory board and the finance committee at BID Plymouth.

It didn’t take Raymond long to discover how dedicated the Plymouth team is to making patients the top priority. “Everyone is truly concerned with patients and their experience. I’m very impressed with what they continue to accomplish,” says Raymond, who believes efficient and cost-effective care delivery is one of society’s greatest challenges—and opportunities. “We are growing, but because we are a small hospital, we can be more nimble. At the same time, we have the backing of Beth Israel Lahey Health, a large hospital system, so there is great potential for innovation.”

Alison Gilmore-Carr has a strong personal connection to the Beth Israel Deaconess community. “I am grateful for the care my father received at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and I love getting my own care at BID Plymouth,” says Alison, who notes that her clinicians know her personally and always ask about her children. “It creates the sense of a community hospital with all the incredible resources of a larger hospital network.”

As a sixth-generation cranberry grower in the Plymouth area, Alison is upholding her family’s tradition. “Cranberry farming is part of my fabric. I’m a caretaker, a steward of this land,” says Alison. “Similarly, in our roles as trustees, we also act as stewards of our community with this incredible hospital. It’s a remarkable opportunity and an honor.”

Mary Shields will be serving on the Board of Trustees for the second time; the first was in 2006. Mary’s introduction to BID Plymouth was in 1999 when the former Jordan Hospital became a client of her design firm. Business ties turned to personal ones when her parents were treated there. As a result of her gratitude for their extraordinary care, Mary began supporting the hospital and got involved with the philanthropy committee.

“As a nonprofit hospital, BID Plymouth needs donors’ support,” says Mary, who also serves on the engagement committee task force, which is focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. “The fact that Plymouth has a community hospital is special. The more people learn about BID Plymouth, the more they will see that it is a real treasure.”

Make a gift to BID Plymouth today.