Hospital District
Board of Directors
Elected Officers of Political Subdivision, Year Elected Officer’s Term Expires
Philip Blackburn, Precinct 2 – President, 2026
Email: pblackburn@suddenlink.net
> CIS (PDF)
> Oath of Office (PDF)
> Statement of Office (PDF)
David Schaefer, MS, RPh, Precinct 3 – Vice President, 2027
(936) 552-9020
Email: texasrph57@yahoo.com
As a retired pharmacist with more than three decades of experience running hospital pharmacies, David Schaefer understands the ins and outs, as well as the unique challenges, of providing health care in rural areas.
“I want to ensure that the hospital district is able to meet its obligations to the community in a cost-effective manner,” David said. “I will use my knowledge and experience in healthcare to assist the hospital district in providing the citizens of Nacogdoches with security that their tax dollars are being used appropriately.”
David graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science and from the University of Houston School of Pharmacy in 1987. He earned his Master of Science in Pharmacy Administration from the University of Texas-Austin School of Pharmacy in 1994.
He is a member of Grace Bible Church and serves as chapter president of the East Texas Bourbon Society. He enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren, gardening and golf.
> CIS (PDF)
> Oath of Office (PDF)
> Statement of Office (PDF)
John McLaren, Precinct 4 – Secretary, 2026
(936) 553-2233
Email: johnrmclaren@yahoo.com
As a long-time hospitality professional, John McLaren understands how important even the smallest details can be.
“I was inspired to go into public service by the thought that if we all do what we can to improve the community around us and those in it, even if it’s just the small things, together we can achieve great things,” he said.
John is General Manger of the Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center, and has more than 30 years of managing people, businesses and budgets.
“I understand the necessity to prioritize needs to allocate limited funds that will be the most impactful and beneficial to the community we serve,” he said. “While I’m on the Hospital District board, I want to ensure that the funds we receive are distributed to secure proper care for those in need, not only today but in a sustainable way for the future.”
John attended Eastfield and El Centro Colleges and studied criminal justice. He is a Certified Hotel Administrator and is a member of the Texas Restaurant Association, the Texas Hotel Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Locally, he is involved with the Nacogdoches Rotary and the Convention and Visitors Bureau board and serves as precinct chair for the Nacogdoches County Republican Party.
John and his wife, Julie, have four children. The family has three dogs, a cat and a flock of chickens. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing and golf.
> CIS (PDF)
Pamela Wheeler, Precinct 1, 2027
901-210-8853
Email: pjwheel65@gmail.com
As a native of Nacogdoches, Pamela Wheeler has a lifelong personal connection to Memorial Hospital. Her grandparents, mother, and she herself were all born or received care there, and her family continues to choose Memorial for its quality of care, even when insurance allows for other options.
“Memorial Hospital has always been there for my family and for this community,” Pamela said. “That history is a big part of why I care so deeply about making sure the hospital continues to serve those who may not have access to care elsewhere.”
Pamela brings 19 years of experience at FedEx, most of it in business and data analysis roles, where she specialized in turning complex data into clear, actionable insights. She has led projects using Quality Driven Management to evaluate processes and support informed decision-making.
“I believe thoughtful analysis and clear communication are essential when making decisions that affect both patients and taxpayers,” Pamela said. “I would be honored to serve on the board and contribute to the continued success of Memorial Hospital while representing Precinct 1.”
> CIS (PDF)
> Oath of Office (PDF)
> Statement Of Office (PDF)
Rikki Leigh Willoughby, Member-at-large, 2026
Email: rlwilloughby@icloud.com
> CIS (PDF)
> Oath of Office (PDF)
> Statement of Office (PDF)
Hashim Ahammed, M.D., Member-at-large, 2026
Email: hashim@haafiz.org
> CIS (PDF)
> Oath of Office (PDF)
> Statement of Office (PDF)
Almarie Henderson-Shumate, Member-at-large, 2027
936-462-3671
Email: hendersa@nacmem.org
Almarie Henderson Shumate is a lifelong resident of Nacogdoches and a longtime supporter of the Nacogdoches County Hospital District. With more than 41 years of experience in the medical field (all of it at Memorial Hospital) she brings extensive institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of the community the hospital serves.
“Memorial Hospital has been an important part of both my professional life and this community for decades,” Almarie said. “Through my work in social services, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with patients and families from across Nacogdoches County.”
Almarie holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor of Applied Art and Science from Stephen F. Austin State University. During her tenure at Memorial Hospital, she supervised the Social Services Department and assisted with departmental budget preparation, gaining valuable management and operational experience.
In addition to her hospital service, Almarie has been an Adjunct Professor in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Social Work for 17 years and served as a Trustee for District 1 with the Nacogdoches Independent School District for 12 years. She has also served on multiple boards throughout the community.
“I believe my experience in healthcare, education, and board service would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the Hospital District’s mission,” Almarie said. “I would be honored to serve and continue advocating for quality care in Nacogdoches.”
> CIS (PDF)
> Oath of Office (PDF)
> Statement of Office (PDF)