WHA has honored Marshfield Clinic Health System Board Chair Mark Bugher with the 2021 Trustee Award. WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding presented the award to Bugher at the system’s board meeting, held virtually on Dec. 14.
For more than 60 years, the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) has recognized outstanding member trustees, those who excel and make an exemplary commitment to his or her hospital and community.
In presenting the award to Bugher, Borgerding said, “Wisconsin hospitals consistently deliver some of the highest quality, most accessible care in the country, and given the critical role hospital trustees play in guiding and steering those high-performing systems, you can imagine we had several nominations and some stiff competition. But Mark was a slam-dunk for this selection. It was as though this award was crafted with him in mind.”
Bugher has been an influential figure in Wisconsin business, government and health care for more than 30 years. He served as Secretary of Revenue under Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson from October 1988 to 1996. He was then appointed as Secretary of the Department of Administration in 1996. He later spent nearly 15 years as director of the University Research Park, a position he retired from in 2013. Bugher has served on Marshfield Clinic Health System’s board of directors since 2012.
In nominating Bugher for WHA’s Trustee Award, Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO Susan Turney wrote, “It is obviously a volatile and challenging time in health care. Mark’s characteristic steady hand, calm temperament, ability to see all sides of an issue and his wisdom have been indispensable as our organization has navigated this pandemic. Our system board has diverse and passionate voices, and Mark is exceptional at bringing people together to serve the common good.”
Tweeting congratulations to Bugher, Marshfield Clinic Health System Board Treasurer Dick Leinenkugel noted, “Mark’s leadership as the chair of the board is authentic and always keeps the patient and staff in the fore.”
As part of his recognition, WHA will donate $500 to the charity of Bugher’s choice.