Valued Voice

Eric Borgerding and Mike SchaferWHA’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.

Upon receiving the Distinguished Service Award, Schafer said, "I am truly honored. A sincere thank you to the Spooner Health Board of Directors and the exceptional leadership team for their continuous support that allows me to serve as a voice for rural health care at both the state and national levels." He continued, "I consider it a privilege to work alongside such a remarkable group of people and to advocate for the future of rural health care. The leadership and guidance of WHA has been incredibly valuable. Serving my team, community and our great state in this capacity is an honor, and I look forward to continuing this important work."

In presenting the award to Schafer, WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding said, “We have had many outstanding hospital and health system leaders receive the WHA Distinguished Service Award over the years, but I'm hard pressed to think of one that has been so committed to and impactfully engaged in citizen advocacy as Mike Schafer.” He added, “Mike takes the time to be an informed and wise voice for hospitals, and not just for the one he’s lead in Spooner for 34 years, but for them all. And the time he’s invested in WHA, including serving on our board for a total of 20 years, and chairing the board in 2009, is unequaled in WHA’s long and proud history. WHA is incredibly fortunate to have volunteer leaders of Mike’s caliber all across the state.”

WHA congratulates Schafer for his exemplary commitment to his community and the health care industry at large to improve care for all. WHA will make a $500 donation to the charity of his choice.