[WAUTOMA] – Noble Community Clinics has announced a new chapter in its leadership following the April 2026 integration of Noble Community Clinics and Lakeshore Community Health Care. Kristin Blanchard Stearns will become CEO on October 1, succeeding Laura Waldvogel, who will transition to the role of CEO Emeritus.
Stearns brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit social services in Sheboygan County and a longstanding commitment to improving the health and well-being of local communities. In her previous role as CEO of Lakeshore Community Health Care, she helped grow the organization from an idea into three clinics serving more than 15,000 patients annually across Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Washington counties.
Laura Waldvogel (left) and Kristin Stearns (right) join Noble Community Clinics’ Migrant Seasonal Agricultural Workers (MSAW) Medical Team during summer outreach efforts. Stearns will become Noble’s CEO on October 1, as Waldvogel transitions to CEO Emeritus.
Stearns is actively engaged in the community through her service with the Sheboygan Rotary Club and numerous other community boards. She serves as president of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association. Stearns holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Carthage College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, respectively. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration at Concordia University Wisconsin.
As CEO, Stearns will lead the integrated organization as it builds on the strengths, relationships and successes of both health centers.
“I’m honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Laura and the Noble team have created,” Stearns said. “The integration has
brought together talented people, deep community relationships and a shared commitment to accessible, compassionate care. I’m excited about what we can accomplish together and the future ahead for our patients, employees and communities.”
Waldvogel will transition to CEO Emeritus on October 1 and continue supporting Noble Community Clinics through May 2027. She will help ensure a smooth leadership transition by sharing organizational knowledge, supporting the executive team with integration activities, assisting with the onboarding of key leadership positions and transitioning key responsibilities to Stearns. Waldvogel will also support introductions with key stakeholders and help celebrate the successes and legacy of Noble Community Clinics.
“I am incredibly proud of what Noble has accomplished and deeply grateful to the people who have made that work possible,” Waldvogel said. “This next chapter gives me the opportunity to support a thoughtful transition, share what I’ve learned and help celebrate the legacy of Noble while looking ahead to the opportunities before us.”
The April integration brought Noble Community Clinics and Lakeshore Community Health Care together around a shared mission of responding to community needs and improving access to quality, integrated health care across East-Central Wisconsin. The leadership transition provides continuity as the integrated organization moves forward under new leadership.
“We have an exciting opportunity ahead of us,” said Leighanne Metter-Jensen, Chairperson of the Noble Community Clinics Board of Directors and former Lakeshore Community Health Care board member. “The integration has given us a strong platform to build from, and Kristin brings tremendous experience, community knowledge and a deep commitment to our mission. We are grateful for Laura’s leadership and the legacy she has built, and we look forward to the next chapter for Noble Community Clinics.”
For more information about Noble Community Clinics, visit Nobleclinics.org.
