SPOONER, WI -- With 40 years of healthcare leadership experience, 34 of those years as the Chief Executive Officer of Spooner Health, Mike Schafer was recognized at the February 5, 2025, board meeting with not just one, but two awards honoring his hard work and dedication to rural healthcare. The first award, presented by Eric Borgerding, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Hospital Association, was WHA’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award. This award is given annually to a health care executive who has made an exemplary commitment to the community.
Much to the surprise of all in attendance, Borgerding presented an additional award, the 2024 AHA (American Hospital Association) Grassroots Champion Award which is given to one individual each year in the state. Highlighting Mike’s work in engaging legislators to educate them on public policy issues affecting hospitals across the country and in Wisconsin, Borgerding emphasized the importance of the meaningful relationships that Mike has built with legislators over the years.
“I am truly honored.” stated Mike, “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. 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 Mike, 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 led 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 unequalled in WHA’s long and proud history. WHA is incredibly fortunate to have volunteer leaders of Mike’s caliber all across the state.”
Dr. Mark Van Etten, Spooner Health Board Member, had this to say, "Mike is truly deserving of this recognition. During his many years of service in many capacities to the WHA, he has been a strong advocate for rural healthcare. I also think his connections with administrators and legislators from across the state have made him a better CEO here at home."
Please join Spooner Health in congratulating Mike on these incredible career achievements.
Spooner Health
Spooner Health is a 25-bed critical access hospital offering a wide range of services from emergency and inpatient care to outpatient therapy, surgery, diagnostic imaging, and more. Spooner Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care that puts people first. Spooner Health is proud to be rated in the 99th percentile for organizational pride and workplace satisfaction, creating an environment where both patients and staff thrive.
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Eric Borgerding presents Mike Schafer with the 2024 AHA Grassroots Champion and the 2024 WHA Distinguished Service Award.
Last Update: Feb 14, 2025 2:53 pm CST
