Boscobel's Larsen honored with WHA 2025 Trustee Award

The Wisconsin Hospital Association(WHA) has honored Cynde Larsen of EmplifyHealth by Gundersen Boscobel Hospitalwith its 2025 Trustee Award. WHA President and CEO Kyle O'Brien presented the award to Larsen on Nov. 25 in a surprise event at the hospital.

"I had no idea what I was walking into. I thought I was just coming for the regular board meeting!" Larsen said. "It was such a special celebration, and I am humbled to be awarded with this honor."

For more than 60 years, WHA has recognized outstanding member trustees - those who excel and make an exemplary commitment to their hospital and community.

In presenting the award to Larsen, O'Brien said, "Cynde's nomination was clear and convincing. There was no doubt that she was worthy to receive this award."

In Larsen's nine-year tenure as a trustee, she has been instrumental in strengthening the hospital in Boscobel through her dedication, insightand collaborative spirit.

Most notably, she has been involved in several initiatives to help address workforce challenges, leading to ensure that the healthcare system is staffed with skilled, compassionate professionals.

A powerful advocate for rural health, Larsen has been at Southwest Wisconsin Technical Collegefor 21 years, so she truly has her thumb on the pulse of training future healthcare workers. Her innovative thinking, unwavering commitment and purposeful strategic partnerships with local healthcare facilities, including Boscobel, have been instrumental in making progress.

Larson's visionary leadership has been recognized widely. She received the Wood Family Employee Excellence Award in 2018 for her commitment to integrity and continuous improvement. More recently, she played a key role in Southwest Tech earning the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, one of the highest honors for student success and workforce impact.

At the heart of Larsen's leadership is empathy, which perhaps makes her the perfect fit for EmplifyHealth by Gundersen's Boscobel board. She builds trust with students, faculty, healthcare partnersand trustees alike. This trust is the foundation for innovation, whether it is integrating new technologies, forming industry partnerships or aligning curriculum with the evolving demands of rural healthcare. She brings integrity, foresightand a deep commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.

As part of this recognition, WHA will donate $500 to the charity of Larsen's choice.