Insurance executive joins BHC board, plans to retire in 2011

The Boone County Commission appointed Bob Wagner, chairman and CEO of Columbia Insurance Group, to an open seat on the Boone Hospital Center board of trustees. The seat, formerly held by Bob McDavid, became open in April when McDavid was elected mayor.
Wagner graduated from MU with a degree in risk management in 1973 and began working with Columbia Insurance Group as an administrative assistant 39 years ago. His rise to the top has been marked with numerous industry awards.
Wagner, 68, is a father of two and a grandfather of three. Following his appointment to the hospital board, Wagner answered a few questions for the Business Times about his past experience and his plans for the future of the hospital and himself.
What compelled you to seek the Boone Hospital Center seat?
Wagner: Timing. The Columbia Insurance Group has commenced a succession plan that will prepare for my retirement as CEO at the end of 2011. As I transition my duties to my successor, I will have some additional time for community involvement. I wanted something meaningful, and I feel this position will give me the opportunity to utilize my education and management experience in a positive endeavor. (Gary W. Thompson replaced Wagner as president of the insurance company in 2009.)
How will your experience in the insurance industry help you in your new role as hospital trustee?
I fully understand the relationships between boards and CEOs. I have substantial experience in finance, contract negotiations and management.
The dynamics of health care are changing rapidly because of the new health care act and improvements in technology such as electronic records and tele-medicine. What are some of the challenges you expect the Boone Hospital Center will face while you are on the board?
Health care is rapidly evolving, like most businesses in today’s world. Customer/patient expectations are changing. Ease of doing business is a major consideration for everyone, including those with health issues. Boone Hospital Center will be faced with many new challenges such as filling the beds in the new wing, providing state of the art care and operating in a budgeted environment.
The 128-bed patient tower is opening in 10 months, but this spring there was a downturn in the number of inpatients compared with the previous year. Hospital President Dan Rothery told employees recently that the drop in patient volume is a short-term development and said the economic downturn played a role. But is the potential for an oversupply of beds at Boone Hospital Center after the expansion a cause for concern?
Currently, the hospital has vacant beds with more coming on line. The current economy has much to do with this, combined with the uncertainty of our new health care laws. These are really not related problems. The hospital expansion is designed to meet health care needs of Boone Countians for the next 30 to 40 years. The current economic downturn is a short-term issue.
Your appointment to the Boone Hospital Center expires next April. Do you plan on running for the seat in next April’s elections?
I do intend to seek a new term on this board next April provided I feel I am making a positive contribution.