McSpadden Leaves a Legacy at William Newton Hospital

Jan 30, 2025

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Following January’s board meeting, William Newton Hospital trustees and administrators honored Steve McSpadden for his years of service as a trustee.

“William Newton Hospital extends its sincere gratitude to Steve, whose dedication and leadership have been invaluable assets to the hospital for the past 22 years,” shares William Newton Hospital CEO Brian Barta. “His leadership and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping the hospital's success."

Board chair Gail Sawyer expressed, “We are losing many years of knowledge that can never be replaced. On behalf of the board of trustees, I’d like to thank Steve for his service. He has earned this extra time off!”

McSpadden continued the legacy of his father G.D. McSpadden, who retired from serving 25 years as a William Newton Hospital trustee at the age of 75. Appointed in 2002 to fill an unexpired term, McSpadden demonstrated a deep understanding of the healthcare needs of the community. He was reappointed to the board in 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2022, consistently demonstrating his dedication to improving healthcare access and quality for the residents of south-central Kansas.

During his tenure, he served as board chair for three two-year terms in 2005, 2010, and 2020, and as vice chair for two two-year terms in 2008 and 2018. His guidance and vision during these crucial periods have significantly impacted the hospital's growth and success.

“I would not have done it for so many years if I didn’t enjoy it,” said McSpadden during a reception following the meeting. “It’s been very rewarding.”

McSpadden added that though he has served on numerous boards, service as a William Newton Hospital trustee is “unequivocally the one that means the most to me.”

He thanked guests in attendance and acknowledged the impact employees have had on the hospital’s success.

“WNH staff have maintained a high level of quality care throughout the years. That’s not to be forgotten.”

Beyond his board service, McSpadden has been a longtime advocate for advancing the mission of William Newton Hospital. McSpadden and his wife, Marilyn, were early supporters of the William Newton Healthcare Foundation and were involved with the two-year campaign to establish the non-profit in 2007. He also served as a member of the William Newton Healthcare Foundation board of directors from March 2007 to May 2010. Demonstrating his commitment to securing the hospital's future, McSpadden co-chaired the Phase 1 Second Century Campaign for the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center with Paula Radcliff.

Also in attendance at the reception was former William Newton Hospital Administrator Dick Vaught, who retired in 2012.

Of McSpadden’s service he noted, “The board of trustees are among the many unsung heroes at the hospital. Steve has epitomized the quality of people we’ve had on our board.”

The five-member volunteer board of trustees at William Newton Hospital is appointed by the Winfield City Commission for five-year terms. Members are selected based on the skills and good judgment that have made them successful in their own professions, as well as a record of community service. To learn more about governance at William Newton Hospital, contact public information officer Sarah Johnson at 620-222-6262.