The Croy Canyon Ranch Foundation announced this week that it has named Kathleen Eder as its new executive director, effective Dec. 1. Eder replaces Vicki Abrams, who held the position for the past two years and left the Wood River Valley to be closer to family members in Atlanta.
Eder will head the foundation's initiative to create a new continuing-care and retirement facility just west of Hailey.
"I love this project and understand the great need we have in this area for our senior community," Eder said in a news release from the foundation last week. "Working with the dedicated individuals on our board and campaign cabinet to bring this dream to reality is so important in order to complete the circle of care in our valley."
Prior to taking her new job, Eder enjoyed a brief retirement after stepping down in October from her position as postmaster of Hailey and a 32-year career with the U.S. Postal Service.
Eder is no stranger to the foundation, however, having spent the past eight years on its board of directors, holding the roles of development chair, assistant secretary and campaign cabinet member. She also served as the board chair of the Wood River Medical Center prior to its merger with St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center.
Eder is taking over in the middle of the foundation's campaign to raise $13 million to build a new senior living facility, planned for a site one mile west of Hailey in Croy Canyon. The foundation has forecast an opening by 2012. Cost of the facility is projected to be $31 million, with a significant portion of those funds coming from the sale of Blaine Manor facility in Hailey.
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com