New Administrator Named For Ripon Medical Center

 For the past seven years, Katherine Vergos has been working with a team of dedicated providers and other health professionals to continually enhance the services and technology offered at Ripon Medical Center, including the construction and opening of a new 120,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art medical facility.

            It’s now time for Vergos to pass on the torch to a new leader – someone who is very familiar to individuals in the Ripon area, someone who has been a part of Ripon Medical Center for the past 24 years.

Starting January 2, 2017, Vergos will be moving into a new role within Agnesian HealthCare as the new vice president and chief nursing officer at St. Agnes Hospital. At that time, Tami Moffat-Keenlance, a director who currently oversees Ripon Medical Center inpatient services, will transition to assistant vice president and administrator for Ripon Medical Center.

            “Most people in the community most likely know Tami,” according to Vergos. “She is a smart, articulate, organized, dedicated individual with a great sense of humor. There is no doubt in my mind that she will do a wonderful job leading the organization. We have worked alongside each other during all of my years at Ripon Medical Center. She knows the hospital and community inside and out.”

            Vergos’ time at Ripon Medical Center has seen significant achievements ranging from its affiliation with Agnesian HealthCare, planning and construction of the new Ripon Medical Center (including the entire moving of a hospital), expanded providers and services, and much more.

            “Outside of the many wonderful changes that have occurred over the last nearly seven years, like our new hospital, the culture I have been able to create and foster within the hospital has been the most fulfilling thing to me. Many people who know me well say they can feel my personality when they walk in the doors. I have heard it referred to as a kind, calm and family-like place, where people are friendly and truly care about you. That to me is the biggest compliment and accomplishment.”

            Making the decision to transition to St. Agnes Hospital was difficult for Vergos. “I have put my heart and soul into Ripon Medical Center since first becoming part of such an incredible organization. I have led the hospital through many changes, and have developed special relationships with the associates, medical staff and community. I will truly miss my ‘family’ in Ripon.”

            Moffat-Keenlance first started with Ripon Medical Center in 1992 starting as a unit secretary on Medical/Surgical, later moving to the Intensive Care Unit. She became a weekend hospital coordinator and moved into her current position as director of Inpatient Services (at one point serving as director of the Emergency Department).

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and later completed a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

Moffat-Keenlance says she looks forward to extending the efforts started through Vergos. “Katherine has done an exceptional job of establishing operational efficiencies within the organization, and promoting a culture of caring, respect and professionalism,” according to Moffat-Keenlance. “I look forward to continuing the work she has done operationally and culturally while also aiding hospital associates and providers in successfully navigating through the ever-changing world of healthcare.”

Since 1993, Moffat-Keenlance has called Ripon home.

“As a long-time community Ripon community member, I understand the importance of having a strong relationship between Ripon Medical Center, our patients and our community partners,” she explains. “Ripon Medical Center associates feel well-supported by and connected to the Ripon community. In my new role, I look forward to opportunities to help Ripon Medical Center collaborate even more with local partners and continue to consistently meet the healthcare needs of our community.”

And, Moffat-Keenlance’s personal commitment to Ripon will remain unchanged. “I have been involved as a parent within the school system throughout the past 14 years. I was involved with the Boy Scouts when by boys were younger. I have collaborated with police and EMS on a number of projects throughout the last 13 years.”

Katherine Vergos.