Vickie Palmer steps down as chair of Palmer Board of Trustees

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The Chiropractic Journal

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After 20‑year as chairwoman of the Palmer College of Chiropractic Board of Trustees, Vickie Palmer announced on Jan. 15 that she would resign that position as of the Feb. 1 Board meeting in San Jose, Calif. Palmer will continue to serve on the Board as an officer and member of the executive committee.

"I began considering this nearly seven years ago and consulted with many advisors, including my two sisters, during that time," explained Palmer. "For many reasons, I'm confident that this is the right time to make a smooth transition. We've successfully completed our capital campaign and opened the Academic Health Center. I'm also very comfortable with the strength of the Board and the College administration. More importantly, the time is right for a practicing chiropractor to lead this College as it has become a true participant in the mainstream healthcare delivery system."

As part of her announcement, Palmer submitted the nomination of Vice Chairman Trevor Ireland, DC, as her successor. At the Board meeting, Dr. Ireland received unanimous support and approval from all members and officially assumed chairman responsibilities on Feb. 2.

"I appreciate that the Board of Trustees agreed with my nomination of Dr. Ireland as chairman," Palmer added. "He is an incredible individual and I'm certain he will do an excellent job. Dr. Ireland possesses all of the characteristics necessary to lead us on this journey."

"I've trained my entire life to assume this position," Ireland said of his election to Board chairman. "It has been a privilege to have served with Vickie for all these years. As we enter this new era of chiropractic, I shall do my utmost to benefit Palmer College, pursue its mission, and protect and perpetuate its philosophy, science and art, and continue to honor the historic connection between Vickie Palmer and the College."

Ireland, a 1970 magna cum laude graduate of Palmer's Davenport Campus and a Board member since 1988, is founder of the Ireland Clinic of Chiropractic in Anchorage, one of the largest chiropractic healthcare facilities in that state. During his 38‑year career in chiropractic, he has been honored as a fellow of the International Chiropractors Association, the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic, the Palmer West Campus Academy of Chiropractic, and the International College of Chiropractors. He was the youngest doctor ever to receive all four chiropractic fellowship honors. In addition, he co‑founded the Alaska Chiropractic Society and is a past president of that organization.