William C. Warden, Jr. of Wilkesboro has received the 2010 Trustee Service Award from the North Carolina Hospital Association.
A plaque symbolizing the award was presented to Warden today by Bill Pully, president of the hospital association, for his significant and unique contributions to hospitals and the communities they serve.
“Bill Warden has a unique talent for leadership,” said Pully. “His vision of what healthcare needs to be for Wilkes County residents put him in a position of even broader perspective. Bill is a tremendous example for all those across the state who aspire to serve in positions of trustee leadership.”
Warden’s nomination is unusual because it was submitted by two hospitals, North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Wilkes Regional Medical Center. Warden has served on the governing boards of each organization and the Board of Directors of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
The retired Executive Vice President of Lowe’s Companies, Warden has been a leader in business and community organizations for many years. He has been a director of Bassett Furniture, Ruddick Corporation (Harris Teeter), and Great State Bank.
In Wilkes County, he has been a director of the Y and the Library Board, the Wilkes Community College Endowment, The Health Foundation, the National Committee for the New River, and a Deacon in Wilkesboro Baptist Church.
“Bill is a pillar of our community, and his influence on the delivery of healthcare in Wilkes County will continue for generations,” said Gene Faile, Chief Executive Officer of Wilkes Regional. “He has led by his personal example of adhering to the highest standards of conduct and stewardship.”
On the Wilkes Regional board, Warden was a leader in changing the structure of the hospital, forging a collaborative relationship with the Town of North Wilkesboro, Wake Forest Baptist and Carolinas Healthcare System.
“Today, Wilkes Regional is on solid financial ground, thanks to Bill’s leadership in championing the change,” added Faile.
“I have worked with Bill Warden in a professional setting as well as volunteer setting,” said Arnold Lakey, board chair of Wilkes Regional, “and I find him to be a cut above.”
Warden was instrumental in the reorganization of Wake Forest Baptist, which is operating under one CEO for the first time. North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Wake Forest University Health Sciences comprise the Medical Center, the largest employer in the Piedmont Triad and the only academic medical center in the Piedmont and western regions of the State.
“Bill has been a leader among our governing boards in integrating the School of Medicine and Baptist Hospital in a way that will enable the Medical Center to become a preeminent organization in education, research, clinical care and community service,,” said John McConnell, MD, CEO of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. “I value his insight and appreciate his friendship.”
Warden has served on the Board of Trustees of Baptist Hospital for the past 10 years and has been Chairman for the past two years.
“Bill understands the role of the Medical Center in bridging the gap between Wake Forest Baptist and the community hospitals in our region,” said Donny Lambeth, president of North Carolina Baptist Hospital. “The Medical Center wants to work with those hospitals to strengthen their services.”
Warden is a native of Sparta. He received his bachelor’s degree and law degree from Wake Forest University. He and his wife, Carol, are parents of three children.
EDITORS NOTE: Wilkes Regional Media Contact, Tammy Love, tlove@wilkesregional.com, 336 651-8116
Media Relations
Lisa Davanzo: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587
Mark Wright: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587