Introducing Jody Welston

Jody Welston Appointed to Bates County Memorial Hospital Board of Directors

Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) is proud to welcome Jody Welston as the newest member of its Board of Directors. A lifelong resident of Butler, Jody brings decades of experience in public health leadership and a strong commitment to serving her community.

Jody began her career in health care in a clerical position with local physicians Drs. Haynie and Strobach, where she worked for 10 years before earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from Fort Scott Community College. She briefly worked at Heartland Hospital in Nevada before being recruited by then-Health Center Administrator George Taylor for a home health position at the Bates County Health Center (Bates County’s health department).

Over the next several years, she served in roles across home health, hospice, and school nursing, and in 2000, she was named administrator of the Health Center, a position she held until her retirement in 2022.

“I considered retiring earlier,” Jody said, “but the pandemic was not something I could hand off to someone else. I wanted to see our community through the worst of it.”

During her tenure, Jody worked alongside many hospital staff members on key public health initiatives. One example she recalls was when a change in vaccine eligibility guidelines meant the Health Center could no longer provide immunizations to individuals with health insurance. Jody coordinated with BCMH providers, including Dr. Miller, to ensure a smooth transition of vaccination services.

She also noted her longstanding working relationships with several hospital leaders, including Carmen Matter, RN, CIC, Infection Control Nurse, and others who helped align public health and clinical care efforts over the years.

Jody brings to the BCMH board both experience and insight, shaped in part by the example set by her own board during her time as administrator. “They were supportive, even when we agreed to disagree. They listened, they trusted me, and they let me run the day-to-day while ensuring we stayed on track with our budget and contracts. I hope to apply what I learned from them to this position and continue to learn from the veterans on the Board at BCMH.”

When asked what inspired her to join the hospital board, she said, “I feel serving on the Board of Directors will offer me a unique opportunity to impact community health, influence healthcare policy and contribute to patient care, as well as being an advocate for the hospital’s mission and public health initiatives — something I’ve been committed to for the past 28 years.”

Jody and her husband Bret have been married for nearly 46 years. They have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three beautiful grandchildren. In retirement, Jody enjoys gardening and traveling — last year alone, she and Bret visited eight countries and plan to continue exploring the world together as long as they’re able.

BCMH CEO Greg Weaver shared his thoughts on the appointment:

“We’re honored to welcome Jody Welston to the Board of Directors at Bates County Memorial Hospital. With her deep roots in public health and her years of service as Administrator at Bates County Health Center, Jody brings invaluable insight and a true commitment to the well-being of our community. We look forward to the experience and perspective she adds to our team.”

Jody was elected by the voters of Bates County on April 8, 2025, and officially sworn in on April 21. BCMH is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, each elected to serve a five-year term. These volunteer leaders are responsible for overseeing hospital operations, ensuring quality patient care, maintaining financial integrity, and upholding all regulatory standards.

Bates County Memorial Hospital is honored to welcome Jody Welston to the Board and looks forward to the contributions she will bring in her new role.