DAYTON-Judy Miller, a former Center Manager for Lincare in Walla Walla, is the new Clinic Director for Columbia Family Clinic and Waitsburg Clinic.

Miller has been on the job Oct. 22, getting to know the staff in the clinics and hospital.

An assessment of the clinics was recently performed by an outside consulting firm, and Miller said she and the staff will be looking into changes that will enhance the patient experience.

Miller and her husband, Miles, like to spend time viewing the area wildlife while staying at the MacKay-Alto family farm, owned by the Miller family.

"We've been coming here for a few years," Miller said. "It's a nice transition."

Miller said she doesn't miss the 'hustle and bustle' of city life. She has worked as a private day care manager in Portland, as an associate director of marketing for Belmont Psychiatric Hospital in the Bay Area, and as a regional manager for sales and marketing of medical devices.

"Judy comes to us at a perfect time where we are increasingly focused on our patients' experience, growing market share, expanding services and integrating behavioral health in our primary care clinics," said CEO Shane McGuire in an announcement to staff.

McGuire said Miller will help CCHS achieve goals for patient-centered medical care at home, and for prioritizing and refining other population-based health initiatives.