Bruce Williams steps down from Cascade Medical, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust boards

LEAVENWORTH – After 12 years of service, Cascade Medical Board of Commissioners President and Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) Board of Directors member Bruce Williams is stepping down.

“He lives and breathes community service, and we've been really fortunate to be the recipient of his thoughts and hard work and commitment,” said Cascade Medical CEO Diane Blake.

When Williams and his wife Gro Buer moved to Leavenworth full-time in 2011, the small yet dedicated community inspired them to engage in a variety of community service efforts.

“There are so many people that have a lot of talent or skills or experience who are community minded, and they volunteer or support the community in so many ways,” said Williams. “It gives you a much stronger sort of sense of community…I think it's a really great part of Leavenworth.”

Over the years, Buer became involved with various organizations, such as Wenatchee River Institute, Upper Valley MEND, and the Community Foundation of NCW, and created the Cascade and Chelan School Districts ELL (English-language learner) Scholarship. 

Williams was recruited to the CDLT board and shortly after joined Cascade Medical Board of Commissioners, in addition to his involvement in other organizations. 

While serving on CDLT’s board, the organization completed significant conservation projects, including Spiva Butte, Chelan Coulees, the Nason Ridge campaign, and Douglas County working lands conservation easements. Williams served a term as board president and “was a consistent advocate for organizational improvement,” according to CDLT Boardmember Cody Gillin.

“Bruce championed CDLT's engagement with regional Latine and Indigenous communities. CDLT is grateful for his tireless efforts to conserve the natural lands and waters of North Central Washington,” said Gillin in an email to Ward Media.

During his time with Cascade Medical, Williams focused on improving the board’s governance and structure, such as implementing committee charters and self-evaluations, in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Drawing from previous board experience, Williams led with the mindset, ‘good process sets the board free to focus on what's most important.’

“Bruce really brought all the knowledge and the desire to work collaboratively with the board and with management to make those changes and improvements. And now, we have boards across the state who will reach out and say, ‘Hey, how do you guys do this?’” said Blake.

In keeping with best practices, Williams made the decision to step down from each of the boards to allow for fresh perspectives and skillsets from new members. However, Williams remains actively involved in local efforts, such as the Icicle Creek Watershed Council and Leavenworth Rotary.

“I look forward to seeing what the hospital and what the Land Trust do going forward. I expect they're going to continue doing great things, and it'll be fun to watch that,” said Williams.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media