THE VALUED VOICE

Cited as one who “embodies the spirit of this award,” HSHS-Eastern Wisconsin Division President and CEO Therese Pandl was recently awarded a WHA 2019 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes senior executives who have made an exemplary commitment to WHA and the communities they serve. Pandl received the award from WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding at an HSHS senior leadership meeting earlier this month.

“For more than 60 years WHA has recognized those who are dedicated to leadership and participation not only in WHA but in their home communities,” Borgerding said when presenting the award. “I’m very proud to be able to present this award to someone I’ve known a long time and have seen how much she cares about her community and WHA.”

The HSHS-Eastern District of Wisconsin includes HSHS St. Vincent Hospital (Green Bay), HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center (Green Bay), HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital (Oconto Falls) and HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital (Sheboygan).

In their nomination letter for the award, the executive leadership team for HSHS-Eastern Wisconsin Division lauded Therese’s thorough commitment to ensuring her facilities are embedded in local community efforts. “Therese has been involved in the Green Bay Community through her work with St. Norbert College Students, St. John’s Homeless Shelter meals, Habitat for Humanity builds, and numerous hospital-based initiatives to improve the quality of life for the people of this area,” the letter said. “She leads with the best interest of others in mind, supports all efforts to promote health and wellness in our region, and is particularly committed to the care of children as evidenced by her leadership in developing HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital as a local leading provider for families in our area.”

While Therese is a leader on current health care policy efforts, she is also committed to mentoring future leaders to ensure Wisconsin’s progress can maintain momentum. She is active in Vistage III, a peer-mentoring organization, with other area business leaders and CEOs and is a regular mentor to seven St. Norbert College business students.

“We also recognize Therese’s commitment to encouraging more women to take leadership roles,” Borgerding said, referring to her habit of reaching out to female business leaders new to the area, offering her advice and knowledge of the region. “That’s the kind of person Therese is and why she’s so deserving of this award.”

Therese has served on WHA’s Board of Directors since 2012, including as board chair in 2015-16. She has done deep dives into WHA’s efforts by serving on various councils, work groups and committees – including both the Advocacy and Budget Committees – and has regularly attended Advocacy Day and annual board planning sessions. She is also on the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board and makes the time to engage in federal lobbying efforts.

WHA congratulates Therese for her dedication to health care in Wisconsin and truly values her involvement in WHA. We will make a $250 donation to the charity of Therese’s choice as a recipient of the 2019 WHA Distinguished Service Award.