Retired Legend Encourages Staff To Think Outside The Box

Bill Rice served as a leader in multiple departments throughout his time here at Campbell County Health, proving his flexibility and willingness to try new things and accept new challenges. Before Bill retired, he was named a CCH Legend.

For those who don't know, CCH defined a Legend as:

“Those people who have left an indelible impression on our minds because of their deeds and actions. Ongoing demonstration of hard work, compassion, and a reputation for greatness make someone a legend.”

Bill earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, and a Masters in Business from Nova Southwest University. Before coming to CCH, he worked in the health and fitness industry for 10 years—and he served CCH for more than 26 years; retiring in early 2020. Bill took his job at CCH as the Occupational Health Manager in 1993, and retired as the manager of the Walk-in Clinic, Wellness, Case Management, Wright Clinic and Occupational Health.

Bill’s Legend nomination form was written by two of his long-time employees: Legend recipient Tanya Allee, Patient Experience Manager, and Kathy Schmidt-Miller, MS, CCC, an Audiologist at the Campbell County Medical Group Audiology Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming.

According to the nomination form:

Bill initiated the CCH Wellness service in 1994. He built the program into a full department providing wellness screening and health coaching to our community and area businesses—serving more than 10,000 clients annually.

Bill is a humble leader that is open to feedback, in fact welcomes it for growth, which sets the stage for those around him to be receptive to the same. He is prompt with follow up and responses and is always willing to make time for someone despite his full schedule.

Bill encourages staff and peers to look at the big picture and think outside the box. He is willing to try new things, humbly learns from those that fall short, and gives praise and gratitude to staff when they are successful.

Bill’s longevity and commitment to CCH is an incredible resource for this staff and peers. Bill initially pursued the Wyoming Miners Funding in hopes to expand the wellness screening business and capabilities. Once this was well established, he received feedback that put him on the trail to actively pursue the development of an extensive wellness program. This helped to broaden services offered through the general screening to provide health coaching. These services further grew the Wellness department's business and greatly impacted health and prevention for our community and area businesses. He was also a driving force to create a sports training program for local youth—formerly called Excel, and now called Step Up Strength and Conditioning Program.

Bill is very active in the community, coaching volleyball, basketball and baseball for more than 35 years. He has coached all of his children and grandchildren as well as other local children. He is largely active in his church and continues to be active with the Boy Scouts, long after his children have grown out of the organization. Bill also served on the Campbell County School Board and is well respected in the Campbell County, Wyoming community.

“It is nice to have your peers take the time to recognize you for your efforts. It is an honor to have this recognition and I appreciate the opportunities I have had at CCH,” Bill says about his Legend Award.

Bill, thank you for your dedication, your service, and for your commitment to CCH and our community. Congratulations on your Legend Award and retirement.