"I really enjoyed sitting on this board, and as much work I put into it, I got even more from the experience," Henneman said to a standing ovation from 20 audience members.

Dubbed Mr. "How-much-is-in-the-bank" Henneman by CEO Bob Peterson, the board expressed their appreciation for his knowledge of business and strict attention to the bottom line.

"Roy is well-respected and always did what he said he would. His knowledge of business is second to none, and we will truly miss him," said board member John Greenemeier.

The board touted community support and physician loyalty to Southwest Memorial as the impetus for a positive change at the sometimes-beleaguered rural public hospital.

The 61-bed, acute-care facility showed a $500,000 profit last year, reinstated employee benefits, completed a expanded emergency room and brought on new specialists and family practitioners.

Recruitment of medical providers is ongoing and a top priority, said Peterson. The hospital still needs an additional primary-care physician, radiologist and pediatrician to fill gaps in community care, and to more effectively cover on-call shifts.

Greenemeier referred to conflict between medical staff on how to schedule call shifts equitably, but said an independent mediator was brought in and the problem should be resolved soon.

Southwest’s chief of staff, Dr. Doug Bagge, commended the high standards of the hospital’s recruitment efforts.