Two longtime employees have said goodbye after a combined 42 years of service at the Health District of Northern Larimer County.Cheri Nichols retired as clinical nurse manager on November 5. Nichols led the Heart Health Promotion Program and was familiar to many in the community for running the Health District’s blood pressure and cholesterol testing clinics for 21 years, advising countless residents and businesspeople on cardiovascular health.

“Cheri brought abundant energy and passion to her work, along with a deep caring for those we serve,” says Executive Director Carol Plock. “Her work in improving heart health gave people hope, understanding, tools, and undoubtedly extended the lives of so very many.”

Longtime Health District nurse Julie Hoest-Abramoff takes over for Nichols in managing clinics and leading the Heart Health Promotion Program.

Nichols expressed gratitude for her work with the organization. “For these two decades, I have been fortunate beyond measure to provide preventive health services in our community, and to collaborate with amazing internal and external partners.”

Another longtime fixture of the Health District, Lorraine Haywood began as finance director on August 6, 2000, and transitioned from her role in September 2021. She was just the second finance director since the Health District began in 1996.

In addition to building and leading an excellent finance team, Haywood rose to leadership in statewide organizations, serving in officer roles on the boards of organizations providing benefits and insurance to thousands of public employees and their employers.

“Lorraine’s unfailing commitment to the community and the organization, incredible accuracy and skills in managing all types of complex financial work, and steadfast willingness to assist individuals and teams at every turn have been invaluable contributions to the Health District over the years,” says Plock.Laura Mai was promoted from assistant finance director to head the finance department. Haywood is temporarily remaining on staff to help smooth the transition before officially retiring from the Health District. 

Nichols, Haywood, and Mai have all won Outstanding Employee awards during their tenure in the organization.