AWPHD Executive Director Ben Lindekugel passes away

Last week, Ben Lindekugel, Executive Director of the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts, passed away. Through his work at AWPHD, Lindekugel provided leadership on policy issues impacting public hospital districts, maintained relationships between local government organizations and the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), and coordinated projects aimed at achieving AWPHD goals.

In an email to ASWPHD members, President and CEO of WSHA Cassie Sauer said:

“Ben was a man of tremendous heart. He was a warm strong force for good at AWPHD and WSHA. His mission-driven dedication and desire to improve care in our state were inspirational. He was liberal with his praise and sharing of credit. He derived equal enjoyment from achieving great success and from telling a funny joke. He was sarcastic and witty, and the sound of his big booming laugh echoing through our hallways was the sound of happiness. He loved baseball, cooking, poetry and his family. He was a reliable and trusted counselor. Most of all, Ben was a treasured friend. I am and everyone who worked closely with him is in shock.”