Mark Cogan, former political consultant and journalist, has been hired as the new executive director of the Curry Health Foundation.

Speaking during the foundation's annual grant recipients' luncheon on June 30 in Gold Beach, Foundation President Jim Waltz welcomed Cogan while bidding a fond farewell to his predecessor, Leone Sharp, who will retire.

The foundation contracted with Sharp nearly four years ago to perform membership duties, coordinate fund-raising activities and manage the group's administrative office in Gold Beach. As a member of the foundation board of directors since 2000, Sharp said she plans to continue her volunteer work with the group "because I just love it, and I love what it does."

Cogan earned degrees in psychology and political science from Southern Oregon University in 2004. He is researching thesis material required for a master of arts in international diplomacy from Norwich University.

Before returning to Gold Beach to work with the foundation, Cogan was a consultant to several state and federal political organizations. He has also worked for national magazines and newspapers. He enjoys writing, reading and playing his slide trombone.

Through fund-raisers and private contributions, the foundation raises money to support Curry General Hospital and other health care entities throughout Curry County.