New hospital CEO and family settle into island life
Relocating to Nantucket can be an adventure, but moving their teenaged sons from Osage, Iowa in October, has proven to be a positive step for Sylvia and Bill Getman.

Chris, Bill, Sylvia and Jay Getman. COURTESY OF NCH

The Getmans moved to the island for Sylvia's new position as president and CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Sylvia was formerly CEO of Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, Iowa since 2001 and also vice president for Network Systems for Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

Sylvia and Bill, and two of their three sons, Chris, a senior at Nantucket High School, and Jay, an eighth grader at Cyrus Peirce Middle School, are enjoying autumn on the island. "Fall is gorgeous, and we're still exploring all of the beaches and wading into the ocean, just because we can," Sylvia said. The Getman's oldest son, Bill, Jr. is a junior at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y.

Sylvia acknowledged that the final decision to relocate to the island was entirely based on "family input and access." Hamilton College is closer to Nantucket than Osage, and husband's family is also from upstate New York. Additionally, Bill, Jr., a rugby player and a government major, has long considered pursuing his career in Boston. The reason Chris, who has already joined the Whaler football team, was so willing to move in his senior year of high school is that he loves the ocean and sailing and is interested in an East Coast college.

Sylvia said that both her former hospital and the boys' school system are similarly-sized to Nantucket's, making it an easier transition for everyone.

"The kids are friendly here," said Jay, who loves science, math and soccer and is now a member of the jazz band.

In his spare time, Jay walks the family's golden retriever, Bentley, and hopes to obtain some dog sitting jobs.

While Sylvia is taking over the reigns at the Hospital, Bill, formerly with NEFF, an Ohio-based company that sells academic and athletic awards and motivational products, is handling the logistics of house hunting on the island and packing up their former residence in Iowa.

Bill, who is looking forward to a career change, ultimately plans to go back to school to get certified in teaching, with hopes of obtaining a position on-island. A hands-on dad, Bill also does the cooking for the family.

For Sylvia, the first draw to the island was for professional reasons, and she is excited to be working with such a great team. "It's fun to lead an organization where there is so much opportunity and people who are committed to excellence," Sylvia said. "All rural hospitals across the nation are struggling, so it's challenging but not unfamiliar territory for me."

While the first draw to the island was professional, Sylvia sees her new role at the hospital as a wonderful opportunity for the entire family. She said that being involved in the community is important to the Getmans, who have already enjoyed attending Whaler football games and the Cranberry Festival, while spending weekends exploring the island. Avid racquetball players, Bill and Sylvia have joined the Paddle Tennis Club in hopes of learning a new sport, and Bill is also looking forward to playing bridge and joining a golf club.

"We're making the most of this phase of our journey," Sylvia said. "And I'm told the weather will be like this all winter!"

New England weather might change in a minute, but one thing is certain - the Nantucket Cottage Hospital and island community extend a warm welcome to the

Getman Family. I