The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) presented its Ben Lindekugel Governance Excellence Award this month to Jefferson Healthcare Commissioner Jill Buhler Rienstra. The award recognizes her continuing commitment to health care leadership in Washington and her advocacy on behalf of hospitals across the state.
Jill has been a steadfast advocate for rural health care for more than 28 years, leading hospital expansions, securing Critical Access designation and championing services such as reproductive and dental care to ensure access for her community. Jill’s tireless work has been pivotal in shaping the future of health care in Jefferson County and beyond.
Involvement in civic organizations, human rights advocacy and community leadership all reflects Jill’s lifetime of service and unwavering commitment to community health.
The Ben Lindekugel Governance Excellence Award was created in 2019 and is given each year to a hospital board member or commissioner who has displayed exemplary leadership and community service.
The award is named after my beloved friend, the late Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts Executive Director Ben Lindekugel, who was especially dedicated to ensuring good governance among hospitals across Washington State. Ben was a huge fan of Jill and would be delighted that she is winning the award named for him.
Sincerely,
Cassie Sauer
WSHA President & CEO
cassies@wsha.org
