Who We Are​

Vernon Health’s story began in 1946, when the Vernon Memorial Hospital Association was formed to launch a countywide effort to build a new hospital for the community. Just five years later, in September 1951, Vernon Memorial Hospital opened its doors with 31 beds. Demand for services grew quickly, and an additional 17 beds were added soon after, followed by a maternity wing in 1956, a diagnostic and outpatient wing in 1969, and a south wing in 1971.

Significant expansion continued throughout the 1990s. A three-level addition transformed the hospital layout and relocated the main entrance from Main Street to the east side of the building. This era also brought the development of a new Emergency Department and the H.E.A.R.T. Center, home to Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Rehab and the VMH Wellness Center. During this time, the Physical and Occupational Therapy departments were remodeled, a Renal Dialysis unit was opened in partnership with other area hospitals, and additional enhancements—including a therapy pool and expanded H.E.A.R.T. Center—were completed in the years leading up to our 50th anniversary.

As our region grew, so did our commitment to providing high-quality care close to home. Vernon Health expanded access across the county by acquiring Kickapoo Valley Medical Clinic in Soldiers Grove in 1993, Bland Clinic in Westby and Hirsch Clinic in Viroqua in 1994, La Farge Medical Clinic in 2003, and Solar Town Pharmacy in Soldiers Grove in 2005. In 2025, Vernon Health introduced a new logo and brand to reaffirm its commitment to the community and its mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

Vernon Health Administration

David Hartberg

David Hartberg

CEO, Administrator

Scott Leckey

Scott Leckey

Chief Financial Officer

Rob Lovejoy

Rob Lovejoy

Chief Operating Officer

Tauqeer Qazi

Tauqeer Qazi

Chief Medical Officer

Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter

Chief Nursing Officer

Vernon Health Board of Directors

Vernon Health’s Board of Directors is made up of representatives from the communities and organizations we serve. The Board provides governance and oversight to support the preservation and continued development of rural healthcare in Vernon County and the surrounding region. In this role, Board members help guide long-term strategy, promote accountability and sound decision-making, and ensure responsible stewardship of the organization’s assets and resources so Vernon Health can continue meeting community needs today and into the future.

Staci Kring

Staci Kring

Chair

Steve Michaels

Steve Michaels

Vice Chair

Sandra Malliet

Sandra Malliet

Treasurer

Michele Engh

Michele Engh

Secretary

Peter Hughes

Peter Hughes

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Joan Peterson

Joan Peterson

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Tonya Wagner

Tonya Wagner

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Ann Marty

Ann Marty

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Nick Korte

Nick Korte

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Jeff Woodward

Jeff Woodward

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