Board of Directors
The Board of Directors meets monthly to review the current and future direction and operations of the Medical Center. The members on the five-person board are residents of Howard County and are appointed by the County Commissioners.
Once selected, each member serves a six-year term. Members may be reappointed at the end of their term as there is no limit on the amount of terms a board member can serve.
Carol Schroeder
Board President
Carol Schroeder is a graduate of the Presbyterian School of Nursing as well as Grace University. Carol’s previous work experience includes working as a Registered Nurse at St. Francis Medical Center for over 20 years, and most recently as a Registered Nurse at Valley County Home Health, where she serves as the Home Health, Hospice, and Durable Medical Equipment Director. Carol and her husband Tom live in Dannebrog.
Carol has served on the board since July of 1999, and is in the current role of President. Carol’s favorite part of being on the board is continuing to have an impact on the high level of medical care that is given at Howard County due to the continued development of the providers and staff.
Dan Nielsen
Board Member
Dan Nielsen was born and raised in St. Paul, where his parents owned the local hardware store. He attended Kansas State University where he obtained his Bachelor and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Upon graduation in 1983, he entered into veterinary practice at the St. Paul Veterinary Clinic, where he practiced until his retirement in 2020. Dr. Nielsen has always been a strong supporter of St. Paul and its surrounding communities. To be able to contribute to the Howard County Medical Center in some way is and always will be a pleasure.
Dan joined the Howard County Medical Center board in January of 2020. Dan and his wife Mary Jo are the proud parents of their five children: Justin, Marcus, Jessica, Kelsey, and Jordan.
Harriet Steenson
Board Secretary
Harriet Steenson attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Harriet’s previous work history includes being an elementary school teacher, being self-employed, and working part time for Killinger Auction Service.
Harriet has served on the board since July of 1999, and is in the current role of Secretary. Harriet’s favorite part of being on the board is working together with other board members, administration, providers and staff to meet and resolve the ongoing challenges that continue to arise in healthcare. Harriet and her husband Larry, reside in Wolbach. They also have four children: Michael, Jerry, Luanne & Gail.
Michael Nelson
Board Vice President
Mike Nelson is a graduate of Centura Public Schools. Mike is the fourth generation to operate the family farm, which is located near Boelus. He raises corn, soybeans and cattle. Mike was also an EMT with the Dannebrog/Boelus Rescue squad for nearly 15 years. During his time there, he led the effort that eventually established county wide paging for all EMTs and Firefighters, in addition to establishing an E-911 system in Howard County.
Mike previously served on the Farmers Union Co-op Board for 8 years, and also served on the Board of Directors with Aurora Co-op. In addition to his role at Howard County Medical Center, Mike is also on the Board of Directors with both the Boelus Rural Fire Board and the Howard County Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments. Mike is excited to be a part of a growing Medical center, and looks forward to meeting the medical needs of area residents.
Mike, who has served on the Board since February 2012, lives near Boelus with his wife Vicki; and they have three grown children: Chris, Angie & Katie.
Alex Borzych
Board Member
Father Alex Borzych, a native of Farwell, has called Howard County home—despite having served as a priest with the Catholic Diocese of Grand Island for the past forty-five years and having served his country in both the United States Navy and on attachment with the United States Marine Corps—his entire life. Borzych received his primary education at St. Anthony Padua Catholic School and attended by Farwell High School and St. Paul High School for his secondary education. He graduated with the St. Paul High school Class of 1971. A highlight of his academic career at St. Paul Public Schools was being named the 1971 winner of the Babe Ruth Award.
Following graduation, Borzych attended Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri, and continued his education and formation at St. Thomas Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado. Father Borzych was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Grand Island on May 30, 1980 at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grand Island. Father Borzych began his ministry as an associate pastor at St. Patrick’s in North Platte, St. Patrick’s in Sidney, and the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grand Island. In 1987, Father Borzych was appointed pastor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rushville and also served St. Columbkille parish in Hay Springs. In 1992, Father Borzych was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Navy, serving as a Catholic chaplain. Borzych served in the armed forces for twenty years—both domestically and abroad—retiring on November 1, 2012. Following his retirement from the United States Navy, Father Borzych served St. James parish in Kearney before being appointed as pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek, with Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton and St. John Capistran Catholic Church in Amherst as missions. Following his retirement from the military, Borzych also held positions with Diocesan Presbyteral Advisory Board and the Priest Pension Board. He retired from active ministry in 2020 and returned to Howard County shortly after. Since his retirement, Father Borzych has continued to serve the Diocese of Grand Island, serving as supply help for the diocese. In 2021, Father Borzych was appointed American Legion Department of Nebraska Chaplain, a position he held for three years. Following his term, Borzych has continued to serve area veterans by celebrating Mass monthly at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney.
Father Borzych is an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul, the Knights of Columbus, volunteers with the Howard Greeley County Food Pantry, and is an active member of the St. Paul Carl Mogensen American Legion Post 119.
