I was so sorry to read the news about Warren Cook Sr. that resulted in his resignation as an executive at Jackson Laboratories.

It is hard to build a reputation and easy to lose it. No doubt Warren regrets what happened and wishes he could go back and do this differently. Everyone has done something in their lives that we wish we could take back. Unfortunately, we can’t go back in time.

Warren Cook is a great person and a great leader. He served as a member of our board in the 1990s and chaired it for several years. He helped shape our vision, and the board and administrative leadership team that went on to create a rural health system that has continued to attract regional and national awards.

Warren helped set us on the path to get there. He also helped revitalize our local economy by providing the leadership to begin the Greater Franklin Development Corporation, and start several new local businesses. He led Sugarloaf USA to a remarkable resurgence, achieving financial stability and helping it become distinguished as one of the finest ski resorts in the country. I have witnessed first hand Warren providing quiet and outstanding leadership in ways big and small. He has done much to improve the lives of people in West Central Maine.

Warren is a remarkable and talented person. Our businesses, communities, state economy and health care industry need Warren’s leadership. I hope the future will unfold with that outcome.

Richard Batt, president

Franklin Community Health Network and Franklin Memorial Hospital