Garrison joins SBL Board of Directors

Sarah Bush Lincoln is pleased to announce that Vandalia native Jennifer Garrison, Ed. D., is joining the SBL Health System and Health Center Board of Directors.

Garrison is superintendent of the Vandalia Community School District and will help represent the community in discussions about SBL and SBL Fayette County Hospital initiatives.

“We are very excited to welcome Jennifer to the board of directors,” SBL President and CEO Kim Uphoff said. “Her wealth of knowledge and experience in different areas will be valuable to support our mission.”

Garrison is the second Vandalia-area resident to join the SBL Board of Directors. Michael Radliff, of Vandalia, joined the board in July 2023.

A graduate of Vandalia High School, Garrison has worked as a superintendent for 15 years in Illinois, serving as the Vandalia Community School District superintendent since 2018.

She currently serves on the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and she is the president of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools. Garrison was a leader of the Funding Illinois’ Future Coalition and the Fix the Formula Campaign, advocating for a new equitable school funding formula which led to the passage of the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act.  

Garrison is also a veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard, serving nine years and achieving the rank of Sergeant.

“I am proud to join the SBL Health System and Health Center Board of Directors as a representative for the Vandalia area,” Garrison said. “Sarah Bush Lincoln is an asset to the community, and I look forward to using my voice to help guide its future.”