Meet the Candidates

Sharon J. Jackson, M.Ed., MBA

Sharon K. JacksonSharon J. Jackson has more than 25 years experience in health care as both an executive and a consultant. In 2004 she was elected to the Marin Healthcare District Board of Directors and became its Chair two years later. In this capacity, she has drawn on her expertise in planning and guiding change, market analysis, business and market planning and program development and management.

Ms. Jackson is president of Health Marketing & Management, a consulting firm with a broad range of clients ranging from hospitals, health care systems and group practices to self-insured employers, non-profit agencies, EAPs, patient advocacy societies and the Behavioral Health Institute.

Since 1994 Ms. Jackson has served as Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco, teaching courses in health care marketing, health issues and service delivery. Jackson began her work in public education and policy development. Beginning in 2000, she has also taught Taiwanese health care professionals in a special graduate program at Dominican University.

A Magna cum Laude scholar with masters’ level credentials in counseling and business (doctoral studies in organization policy and leadership nearing completion), Ms. Jackson is a recognized leader in her field. A graduate of the 2006 class of Emerge California, Ms. Jackson also has a long history of community involvement and leadership, serving as president of both the California Association of Local Mental Health Boards and the Marin County Mental Health Board. She is past president the Marin Women's Commission, Artisans Gallery, and other local and state boards. She is listed in Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Finance and Industry, of American Women, in Professional and Executive Women, and in the World.


Harris F. (Hank) Simmonds, M.D.

Harris F. SimmondsDr. Hank Simmonds practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Marin from 1971 until his retirement in 2006. He received American Board of OB/GYN certification in 1974. He currently serves as an honorary staff member of the Marin General Hospital Medical Staff where he was Chief of Staff and Chairman of the OB/GYN Department.

Dr. Simmonds is widely respected among colleagues for his management skill, medical knowledge and executive expertise. During his two-year tenure as Chief of Staff, Dr. Simmonds handled many complex issues arising out of major changes in hospital administration and Medicare and third party reimbursements. These trying times made physician oversight and Judicial Review even more challenging. His performance led to his being asked to serve on the panel of a Judicial Review Board at a Sonoma hospital where an Ob/Gyn physician was being reviewed for competency.

Since retiring, Dr. Simmonds was elected to the American Cancer Society's Medical Advisory Committee. Other professional community service includes: Medical Board of California, expert medical reviewer (1998-2001); Marin Medical Society, Board of Directors (1980-83); University of California at San Francisco, OB/GYN clinical instructor (1971-78) and Planned Parenthood of Marin, Medical Advisory Board (1971-78).

Dr. Simmonds was born in Hartford, Connecticut. After high school, Dr. Simmonds enlisted in the US Army and served in West Germany as Administrative Assistant to the Provost Marshal, 3rd Armored Division before being honorably discharged with meritorious congratulations. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA and served his internship at San Francisco General Hospital, residency at Kaiser Hospital, San Francisco, with a brief fellowship at Memorial /Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York City. Dr. Simmonds has two grown children, a son and daughter.