Union State Bank’s Market President for Winfield and Udall, Cory Helmer, presented the 2024 Union State Bank Healthcare Hero Award to former William Newton Hospital administrator Dick Vaught on November 2nd. The presentation was part of the William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s 17th annual fundraising gala, which Union State Bank has been the title sponsor for more than a decade.
The Union State Bank Healthcare Hero Award is presented each year to those who have made a significant positive impact on healthcare within the community served by William Newton Hospital.
During the presentation, Helmer touted Vaught’s “servant leadership, financial acumen, and determination to help the hospital not just to survive but to thrive.” He acknowledged Vaught’s work enabling the hospital’s current administration and employees to continue a legacy of quality patient care.
Vaught joined the hospital in 1978 in the position of controller and was promoted to assistant administrator in 1982. When his predecessor retired in 1990, he assumed the role.
Helmer added that for over 34 years at the hospital, Vaught “consistently and effectively navigated changing healthcare regulations, responded to community needs, and weathered unexpected challenges. He displayed a clear vision for what WNH could become and the important, positive impact it would continue to have on our community.”
During his tenure, Vaught oversaw many improvements at William Newton Hospital, including a two-story addition to the north end of the east wing, the establishment of home health, the establishment of the rural health clinics, the creation of the Winfield Healthcare Center, building the Physicians Pavilion, and updates to several departments. Helmer also praised his commitment to his team, such as championing initiatives to prioritize employee well-being and a willingness to listen that made everyone feel valued and heard.
Other notable career achievements included membership to the Kansas Healthcare Financial Management Association, service as a board member of the Kansas Hospital Association and Creative Community Living, and service as a director of Preferred Health Systems.
When asked about the proudest moments of his tenure at William Newton Hospital, Vaught noted its successful transition to a critical access hospital, helping the townspeople of Moline with building the clinic and installing radiography capabilities, and the creation of the William Newton Healthcare Foundation. As a chartered member of the foundation, he was involved in the first successful campaign raising $2 million over five years for the hospital’s acute and critical care wing, also known as 2-East.
Vaught retired in 2012, but his service to William Newton Hospital continues. Both Vaught and his wife Nancy remain supportive of the William Newton Healthcare Foundation. He is currently a foundation board member and assists with committees for retired employees and provider engagement.
About Union State Bank: Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield, and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 412388