The Legacy Health Endowment Board of Directors announced the addition of Ceres native and former Turlock Irrigation District General Manager Michelle Reimers.

In 2020, Reimers became just the eighth person – and the first woman -- in TID’s 137-year history to be named general manager. In her four years as the district’s top leader, Reimers oversaw the organization’s extensive irrigation and electricity operations across a 662-square mile area in Central California. Her innovative leadership led to the successful implementation of key projects, including the District’s second regulating reservoir, entry into the Western Energy Imbalance Market, and Project Nexus—a pioneering initiative involving solar panels over canals.

She now owns and runs her own consulting business and farms with her husband.

“Michelle’s experience at TID will bring unique insights to the plight of working families struggling to pay their bills, save for a rainy day and retirement,” said LHE President and CEO Jeffrey Lewis. “Her expertise will aid our efforts to continue to explore strategies to help ensure that middle income families and all families have access to affordable and accessible healthcare.”

Reimers said she is delighted to join the LHE board and admires the organization’s mission.

“I joined the board of LHE to give back to a community that has given me so much,” said Michelle Reimers. “I am committed to working with LHE to create meaningful improvements in healthcare access and wellness for the people of Stanislaus and Merced counties. This role allows me to contribute to initiatives that will have a lasting, positive impact on the health and quality of life for our community.”

Legacy Health Endowment provides funding and technical support to create healthcare solutions and facilitate improved wellness within 19 specific cities and zip codes in Stanislaus and Merced counties. The mission of Legacy Health Endowment is to improve the health and health care of all residents in its service area by increasing access to various healthcare services and educating people about healthy lifestyle decisions.