MADISONVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2013) — Michael A. Baumgartner has been named president of Baptist Health Madisonville, effective Sept. 23. Baumgartner currently serves as president of St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, Minn. He succeeds Baptist Health Madisonville President E. Berton Whitaker, who announced his September 2013 retirement in April.
Baumgartner, 57, brings more than 34 years’ experience as president of multiple hospitals from North Dakota to Missouri. In his current leadership role, Baumgartner has fostered the growth of St. Francis from a small community hospital to a comprehensive regional medical center, ranked in the top 10 percent nationwide for quality.
“Mike Baumgartner has successfully focused on improving the quality of patient care delivered to St. Francis’ patients while expanding services to the community,” said Baptist Health CEO Steve Hanson. “Those key elements – along with 30 of 34 years working within faith-based healthcare facilities – make him a great fit for our family of hospitals and care centers.”
St. Francis Regional Medical Center is jointly owned by Allina Health, Essentia Health and Park Nicollet Health Services, and was founded by a small group of Franciscan Sisters in 1938.
“One of the standout characteristics that made Mike a top candidate for this position is his commitment to the employees and physicians of the hospitals he has served,” said Allen Rudd, Baptist Health Madisonville Board Chairman. “By taking time to listen not only to their concerns, but their suggestions, he forged a team that saw great success. And in the process, employee and physician satisfaction vastly improved.”
Baumgartner’s healthcare career includes consistent highlights in improved financial strength, collaborations among physicians and hospital leadership, improved efficiencies through technology and IT advances, and a strong focus on giving back to the community.
“I was drawn to Madisonville based on the commitment of Baptist Health to better the health of this tight-knit community, and was truly impressed with the quality and scope of the facilities, physicians, leadership and staff,” said Baumgartner. “I also share the desire of many to live in a great community, and the best way to accomplish this is to be a part of it … to get involved. I genuinely look forward to becoming a part of this vital and beautiful area of Kentucky.”
Current President Bert Whitaker announced his retirement in April, after serving Baptist Health Madisonville since June 2006. He led the transition from Trover Health System to Baptist Health, effective November 2012, and counts among his accomplishments the growth of the medical staff, completion of a $1.8 million physician office space and expanded services throughout the region, including two clinics in area Walmart stores to treat minor injuries and illnesses.
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