Effective April 1, Noble Community Clinics and Lakeshore Community Health Care will officially integrate, bringing together two long-standing Federally Qualified Health Centers into one unified organization operating under the Noble Community Clinics name. The integration creates a stronger regional healthcare network with eight clinic locations in Stevens Point, Wautoma, Mauston, Friendship, Beaver Dam, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and West Bend, Wisconsin. Together, the organization will serve nearly 40,000 patients across east-central and central Wisconsin, expanding access to high-quality, affordable care for individuals and families.
Both organizations share a mission of removing barriers to care and serving patients regardless of income, insurance status, language, or location. The combined health center will continue to offer comprehensive services including medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy care, supporting both rural and urban communities as well as agricultural workers throughout the region. Leaders say the integration is a proactive step to strengthen the safety-net healthcare system across a 15-county area while improving coordination of services and patient access.
Alongside the integration, the Boards of both organizations have approved a CEO Succession Transition Plan designed to ensure stability, trust, and continuity. Laura Waldvogel will remain Chief Executive Officer of the unified organization for the first six months, guiding integration efforts and maintaining operational stability, after which she will transition to the role of CEO Emeritus to support staff and incoming leadership. Kristin Stearns, currently CEO of Lakeshore Community Health Care, will serve as President and CEO-Designate during this period and will assume CEO responsibilities at its conclusion. “This new partnership is about integrating our two health centers, building on our shared values, and ensuring people can get the right care, at the right time, in the right way,” Waldvogel said. Stearns added that the unified organization will be able to meet patient needs in new and innovative ways while attracting and retaining mission-driven staff. Supporting the transition is an experienced executive team including Dr. Sumeet Goel, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Casey Wilson, Chief Dental Officer; Dr. Scott Huntington, Chief Behavioral Health Officer; Caleb Jensema, Chief Financial Officer; Ivan Coziahr, Chief Operating Officer; Shelby Kuhn, Chief Integration Officer; and Michele Schmitt, Chief Transition Officer.
Lakeshore patients will notice a few administrative changes as the integration takes effect. After March 31, billing statements will come from Noble Community Clinics, and some patients may be asked to complete updated forms at their next visit. Clinics in Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and West Bend will be closed March 27 through April 1 and will reopen Thursday, April 2. Due to pharmacy licensing requirements, there may be short delays in filling prescriptions immediately following the transition. Officials emphasize that care teams are working closely to minimize disruptions and keep patients informed, calling the integration “an exciting new chapter” in building a stronger, more resilient healthcare network for the region.
