By Staff
ST. JOSEPH – Lakeland HealthCare this week announced the appointment of William E. "Bill" Johnson as the organization's director of development and president of the Lakeland Health Foundations.
In his new position, Johnson will be responsible for fundraising and development activities, including planned giving, donor relations and capital campaigns.
"We are fortunate to have an individual assume this position who is as uniquely qualified as Bill," said Joe Wasserman, president and CEO, Lakeland HealthCare.
"His experience, knowledge of Lakeland, community service, and personal relationships will assure him success in this new role."
Most recently, Johnson served as chairman of the Lakeland Board of Directors.
During his more than three decades on the board, Johnson oversaw mergers and acquisitions of hospitals that consolidated healthc are services for southwest Michigan residents.
Under his leadership, Lakeland remained a financially strong organization, growing to include more than 300 physicians, offering a wide range of specialties and winning national awards for excellence and clinical outcomes, patient care and patient safety.
Johnson's successful career also includes serving as president of Heath Co., vice president of strategic alliances for Zenith Data Systems, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Gast Corp. and vice president of marketing for the Columbia Division of CBS.
He has been an active part of the community through the Cornerstone Alliance Advisory Council and the boards for the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA and the St. Joseph Improvement Association.
A graduate of the University of Illinois, Johnson earned a degree in journalism and served as an officer in the U.S. Army.
A resident of southwest Michigan for more than 50 years, Johnson and his wife, Patt, live in St. Joseph.