JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Hospital Association presented a 2007 Excellence in Governance award to Merlyn Shephard, board member of Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia, Mo., in recognition of his contributions to the health care community.
Shephard was one of six trustees from across the state honored during a June 14 presentation at MHA’s annual Leadership Forum in Lake Ozark, Mo. Shephard has served as a board member of Bothwell Regional Health System since 1996. He was board secretary in 2002 and has chaired numerous committees.
“Merlyn does an outstanding job of helping us keep our focus on the communities we serve,” said John M. Dawes, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Bothwell Regional Health Center. “He understands the concerns of staff, volunteers and physicians and helps channel their commitment into exceptional health care for our communities.”
Shephard is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Noonday Optimists Club, Pettis County Historical Society, Sedalia Housing Authority, Sedalia Jaycees, Sedalia Rotary Club and Taylor Chapel Methodist Church. He has served as president of the Sedalia Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Sedalia-Pettis County United Way. He is a former board member of the Pettis County Health Center and the Pettis County Extension Center.
Since 1985, MHA’s Excellence in Governance award has been given annually to hospital trustees for their dedication to exceptional health care. Award recipients are chosen by MHA’s district council presidents.
Other award recipients include John W. “Jack” Forbes, former board president of I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs, Mo.; Dean C. Henricksen, president of the Spelman Medical Foundation of Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.; Donald G. LaFerla, board chair of McCune-Brooks Hospital in Carthage, Mo.; William R. Riggs, board treasurer of Liberty Hospital; and Maurice Watson, board member of Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo.
The Missouri Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association in Jefferson City that represents 141 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its members, the association offers continuing education programs on current health topics and seeks to educate the public, as well as legislative representatives, about health care issues.
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