Valued Voice

Barb relaxing on a WHA Vikingland Region outingBarb Peickert, CEO of Hayward Hospital from 1986-2011 and longtime friend to the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA), passed away on May 8, 2025. 

"It is with a heavy heart that we learned of Barb’s passing,” said WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding. “She was one the best nurse and rural hospital leaders and most wise and kind people I’ve ever known. Though she’s been retired for some time, her contributions to WHA and partnership with and appreciation for the WHA team will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to Barb’s husband Lanny, her family and many friends.” 

Throughout her career, Barb received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the WHA in 2011. She served two terms on the WHA's board of directors and held leadership roles in several civic organizations, including the Hayward Development Corporation, Regional Hospice Board and Hayward Rotary Club. She also formed a Parkinson’s Support Group. Her obituary says, "Barb was a leader among leaders, a woman ahead of her time in the healthcare field. She was known for her kindness, empathy, and unwavering support for others. She was a mentor, a confidant, and a shining example of fairness and compassion. She made it her lifelong mission to ensure better healthcare, not only for her community, but as far as she was able to reach."

To read her obituary, click here.