WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding presents WHA’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award to Chris Woleske of Bellin and Gundersen Health System.
WHA has awarded its 2023 Distinguished Service Award to Chris Woleske, executive vice president for Bellin and Gundersen Health System and Bellin region president. The award was presented to Woleske by WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding during the Bellin and Gundersen Health System Board of Directors meeting in Green Bay on Jan. 30.
WHA’s annual Distinguished Service Award honors a senior health care executive who has demonstrated a long-standing and impactful commitment to advancing health care statewide and in their community.
Woleske was nominated for the award by Scott Rathgaber, MD, CEO of Bellin and Gundersen Health System. In his letter of nomination, Rathgaber said, “It is apparent that Chris Woleske, JD, FACHE represents every quality listed as criteria for this award. She has shown a commitment to her community and the healthcare industry at large to improve care for all. She has been an inspirational leader in her organization, in her community, at the state and national level, and at WHA.”
Woleske has been an active member of WHA for many years and a WHA board member since 2016. She has advanced in leadership at Bellin Health as legal counsel, compliance officer, chief operating officer and chief executive officer. She led the project to build the Oconto Hospital to maintain local care to that community and spearheaded the conversations resulting in the equal merger of Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System for the express purpose of preserving and strengthening their deep commitment to community care.
In presenting the award to Woleske, Borgerding said, “I have seen Chris in action, first-hand, for many years as a WHA member and in her role on the WHA Board. Her strong commitment to advancing health care goes well beyond her own organization and the Green Bay area. Chris’s exceptional leadership has made a broader impact on our state. It is my honor to be presenting her with this well-deserved award.”
In addition to the WHA board, Woleske serves on many other boards including the Green Bay Packers board. She has been recognized and has received numerous awards for her impact and excellent leadership by peers and community and national organizations.
WHA congratulates Woleske for her exemplary commitment to her community and the health care industry at large to improve care for all. WHA will make a $500 donation to the charity of her choice.